Rangitoto College Big Band (directors: Markus Fritsch & Nathan Collings)
The Rangitoto College Big Band is the Senior Jazz ensemble of the school. Students are committed to rehearsals, sectionals and instrumental tuition – and most of them are living the Jazz life style! In 2016 we have been fortunate enough to be part of the Wellington Jazz Festival, where we saw Wayne Shorter as well as receiving individual awards for best trumpet and best saxophonist of the festival. The band also enjoyed their part in the Auckland Jazz & Blues Club Competition this year and the KBB Music festival, where they won respective Silver and Gold Awards, placing them firmly in the top Jazz bands in Auckland. In 2017 we are planning a trip to the Pacific Basin Music Festival in Hawaii, where we have already secured a gig at the Hard Rock Café Honolulu. We are extremely honored that the J&B Club is inviting us to perform on a regular club night and are excited to perform there again!
St Kentigern College:
Jazz Combo
This six piece ensemble have had an exciting year. Under the direction of Paul Norman they won both the NZ Youth Jazz Festival and the Auckland Schools Jazz Bands Competition. Individual students were also recognised with Ryu Kodama being awarded Best Drummer and Most Outstanding Musician and Andrew Isdale named as Best Saxophone Player. In May they participated in the Mt Gambier Jazz Festival, the first NZ school to do so. The adjudicators and other band directors were so impressed with their performance that they are planning to add a combo section to the festival competition next year.
Big Band
This band consists of students from Year 9 to 13 and is directed by Paul Norman. They were the winners of the Big Band category at the Auckland Schools Jazz Band Competition, held at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club. At the KBB Music Festival they were awarded a Gold Award and invited to perform in the Gala Showcase for the seventh consecutive year. At the conclusion of the gala the band was also presented with the Tour Time Trophy for Best Jazz Improvisation.
Door Charge
Members and Students with ID $5.00
Non Members $15.00