The KBB is an annual music Festival that sees thousands of young musicians from Auckland compete and display their amazing talents during a week of celebrations held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. In 2023, Sancta Maria College’s Symphonia, Concert Band, and Big Band all competed along with our Festival Orchestra and Stage Band entering as non-competitive bands.
Most impressively, our Big Band was invited to play at the KBB Gala Concert held at the end of the festival – which is an extremely prestigious honour as only the best of the best is asked to perform. The band had also won a Gold Medal (the highest award) with their songs Such Sweet Thunder, Let It Simmer (that they wrote themselves), Listen Here, and Do nothing ‘til you here from me (which was sang by Kim La Madrid).
Another important accomplishment goes to the students who played in the Honours’ Bands. The Honours’ Bands are made up of the most skillful students from the different schools who are then invited to join the bands. The Orchestra had Sofia Dela Cruz, Daniel Pereria, Alanna Santoso, and Jennifer Zeng and the Big Band had Minky Kim representing our school in the Jazz Band.
Our Concert Band won a Bronze Medal with the following pieces: Bahumba, Cloud Dancing (with an alto saxophone solo by Megan Bottom), Earth Song, and Ritual Fire Dance. And our Symphonia were highly commended with the following pieces: Gentle Hearts, Largo (a viola concerto played by Alanna Santoso), Canarios, and La Califfa (with a cello solo by Jennifer Zeng and a flute solo by Sofia Dela Cruz).
Further congratulations to the Festival Orchestra who performed I’ve Got My Eye on You, Vicar of Dibley Theme, The Bare Necessities, and Frolic. They were also a part of the ‘play-in’ group which invited all the non-competitive orchestras to perform together. Finally, congratulations to our student-led Stage Band who played Milestones, On Broadway, and Hot Chocolate. Well done to Megan Bottom and Kristine Guerrero (the conductors). Sancta Maria College had a wonderful year at this year’s KBB festival and students, and staff should be proud of their efforts.
Thank you to Mr. Stuart Gibbs, Mr. Hamish Arthur, and Mr. Lukas Fritsch for all their hard work conducting and helping our musicians refine their talents!
