Thirty-six Music students from the College enjoyed a jam-packed six days in New Zealand during the school holidays, where they visited and performed with local schools and in some unique venues, as well as enjoying workshops, culture and some of the great tourist delights our neighbours have to offer.
Students enjoyed geothermal pools, an Antarctic experience and close encounters with kiwi birds, penguins and sheep, of course. Our ensembles and groups seized opportunities to perform in a music museum, in the Agrodome and 65 metres down in the Waitomo caves, before marvelling at the silent beauty of hundreds of glow worms. They were treated to the musical delights of antique, traditional and Japanese instruments, a rousing performance of the Haka and ‘village chief’ Mr Bradley performing the customary ‘Hongi’ greeting with village elders.
A trip to New Zealand not being complete without some adventure, the students also ascended the Sky Tower, climbed a volcanic crater and fended off frostbite (it was 6 degrees) at the ‘Top o’ the Bruce’. The brave also had a go at luge, jet-boat, human monorail, skydiving and Swoop swing – and all returned in one piece (once the colour returned to their faces).
Thank you to Miss Jackson, Mr Bradley, Mr Taylor, Mrs Jones and Mr Lee for accompanying the students on this exciting tour. Also a special thanks to the admin, finance and support staff for all their hard work behind the scenes.