PERFORMING ARTS Without a doubt, Term 2 presents our busiest time in the Performing Arts calendar. Once again, our groups have risen to the challenge after last year’s cancellation of so many competitions. Already many of our students have been involved in nationwide events, kicking off with the annual regional competitions for the Shakespeare Festival, NZCT Chamber Music Contest, Rockquest, Hip Hop and Big Sing. We have been thrilled with the results across so many disciplines and look forward to more fabulous successes at both regional and national level later in the year.
JHS Concerto Competition We ran our first arts event in the second week of Term 1 this year and there was no doubt the display of talent from our JHS instrumentalists was nothing short of phenomenal. The competition was brought forward, and this was the first time our students, and the community, had the chance to hear Dio’s beautiful new Steinway piano. Despite last-minute withdrawals, down to the wire decisions and continual disruptions, this ‘third time lucky’ event was indeed very exciting. There was some precocious talent on display and
Iris Guo
Chanelle Huang
the adjudicator, Tim Wayne-Wright, was blown away by the technical assuredness and musicianship of these instrumentalists, not to mention the stunning new Steinway concert grand! Arriving one day before lockdown last August, this magnificent piano has been waiting for an opportunity to be played ever since, and our JHS students were the first to be given the honour.
Eva Zheng
The event was live-streamed to ensure families who were unable to attend due to COVID restrictions could enjoy the event.
Ella Zhang
Overall Winner Chanelle Huang – piano (Year 7) Most Engaging Performance Eva Zheng – guzheng (Year 8) Junior Piano Cup Iris Guo – piano (Year 8) Junior Woodwind Cup Ella Zhang – flute (Year 8) Mika Kurosawa
Meredith Leu
Years 7 and 8 1st prize Chanelle Huang – piano (Year 7) 2nd prize Ella Zhang – flute (Year 8) Years 9 and 10 1st prize Mika Kurosawa – cello (Year 9) 2nd prize Meredith Leu – violin (Year 9)
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