RANGITIKEI'S Huntley Primary School Jazz Band has aced jazz bands from New Zealand secondary schools to become the 2008 National Secondary School Jazz Champions.
At Easter, the band took part in the 31st National Youth Jazz Festival at Tauranga.
Its performance in the morning impressed the American judges so much, the band
was asked to perform again in the afternoon while the judges deliberated.
The band's teachers are Sandra Wheeler and Hamish Jellyman. "They have come together so well and being given a second chance to perform in front of a large crowd was a real honour for the boys. We were rapt," Mr Jellyman said.
In the afternoon session the band performed to a packed house and gave a near faultless display. Sam Seumanu's vocal performance prompted a standing ovation.
The band was announced as the winners of the secondary school division, winning the Massey University Best Secondary School Jazz Combo Championship.
"Not a bad outcome for a primary school to take out the secondary school national award," Huntley School headmaster Brad Gay said.
"The whole school is very proud of the boys' achievements." The standard of music at the school is a direct reflection of a fantastic group of music teachers. Sandra Wheeler and Hamish Jellyman have been instrumental, if you can excuse the pun, in the success of the jazz band.
"To work alongside teachers who are prepared to go the extra distance with boys passionate about music is a humbling experience."
