Term 3 came to a rousing finale for our performing arts students with the annual Gala Concert.
This event is a compilation of the year’s highlights and throws the spotlight on our Dance, Drama and Music students though a variety of items. Held at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday 24 September, and expertly assisted by VenueTech staff, our students shone.
The Level 2 and 3 Dance classes sizzled in their Tango, Broadway and Fosse styles where they were kitted out with dazzling costumes to boot. Maneuvering scarves and hats as part of the technical prowess was executed with precision and added that extra element of flair. Musical items had everything from classic to contemporary. With an extensive co-curricular department of two choirs, jazz band, studio band, orchestra, concert band and a surplus of rock bands there was something for everyone on the night.
Noteworthy performances included were award-winners from the year, NayCol Chorale who won the ‘Best performance of a New Zealand composition’ and ‘Audience Impact’ awards at The Big Sing, and rock band Tizzy, who were successful in the Play it Strange competition with their original song, Application Form.
Performance items were woven together seamlessly by the backstage crew who managed to handle the constant demand for quick staging changes between a diverse array of acts. Interjected between large ensemble acts were a selection of Nayland’s finest soloists including Maggie O’Hara (Dance), Samantha Gerritsen (Drama), Marcus Scott (Musical Theatre), Joelle Noar (Musical Theatre) and Joe Gavin (Music). Joe’s guitar performance of Classical Gas recently earned him the number one spot in our Solo Performing Arts Competition, and the Gala was an opportunity for him to share his flawless skills with a large audience and illustrious stage. Once again, this Year 9 student did not disappoint; mesmerising us with his captivating technique and musicianship.
It was particularly heartening to see some younger musicians take the stage (many for the first time) as a feature item showcasing students in the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ School of Music (NCSM) programme. These players teamed-up with some College students who themselves started their journey in the same youth development programme. It was wholesome to see these generations of wind players united.
The finale of the evening was a mass item featuring vocal soloists (Isaiah Vahatau-Laing, Malachi Ng, Samantha Gerritsen and Isabella Fuller), all instrumentalists and a mass choir performing two collaborative items. The first was Baba Yetu, a setting in Swahili of The Lord’s Prayer written for the popular game, Civilisation. The final piece of the night was a familiar favourite, Feelin’ Good, which reflected the lasting mood of such a positive night.
By Kay MacKenzie