Student feedback from Taupō Brass Academy’s third ‘All Brass Day’ on Thursday, November 27 was positive.
Pippa Walker, trombone, said she felt she had learnt something during the day of rehearsals and final short concert to parents, grandparents and siblings.
Cornet player Trelise Lee also thought she had learnt something: “That I need to practice more.”
The day, again this year at the Centre Stage Theatre, was led by Gary Collins who will be taking over the running of the academy from founder Matt West.
The academy provides free tuition and a free instrument to students, with the tutor visiting the schools during the day – lessons may be in small groups rather than individual, depending on funding availability.
Nineteen students from primary to college were joined by five tutors from the Taupō School of Music, Taupō Brass Band and Taupō Concert Band along with Jon Wood from Taupō Intermediate School and Kaylene Carson from St Patrick’s Primary School at this year’s whole day workshop.
Collins said it was pleasing to see the progress of students with some now having spent three years learning through the system.
He was looking to start lessons soon into the new year back at schools, he said, but depending on tutor availability and funding, the structure might change with tuition geared more towards an academy band.
“We’re always looking to find ways to continue funding the academy,” said Collins who was hoping to make an announcement shortly on an initiative seeking community support.
