Chanel music groups shine at contests

WINNERS: The Three Amigos and a Bass brass quartet - winners of two awards at the annual New Zealand Chamber Music Contest in Wellington - includes Wairarapa College students Byron Bunn (left, rear) on tenor horn and Darius Simpson on baritone horn, and Chanel College students Josh Ingle (left, front) on euphonium and Jamane Jope-Neligan on tuba. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

On-song musicians at Chanel College in Masterton have captured the laurels for their performances at regional and national contests.

Chanel College head of music Stephan Schulz said a brass-band quartet comprising two students apiece from the school and from Wairarapa College won awards at the annual New Zealand Chamber Music Contest in Wellington, and Chanel College trio Ore took second place at the Smokefreerockquest regional finals in Masterton.

"I have been showing my support in opening doors and providing them with opportunities. Also a host of other people supported them, like staff of Chanel, parents and the Wairarapa Brass Band for the quartet," Mr Schulz said.

"After a tremendous effort, both groups have blossomed and that is a huge achievement to be very proud of."

The brass quartet, named The Three Amigos and a Bass, included Chanel College students Jamane Jope-Neligan on tuba and Josh Ingle on euphonium and Wairarapa College students Byron Bunny on tenor horn and Darius Simpson on baritone horn.

The quartet performed three pieces of music at the contest, which was held this month at the Adam concert room at Victoria University. Their pieces included Entry of the Gladiators by Julius Fucik, Song Without Words by Gustav Holst, and an original composition by Josh Ingle titled Norway.

The combined Wairarapa unit walked away with an award for the Best Performance of a New Zealand Work and the Original Composition Performance Award.

The trio Ore, comprising Louis Dotrice on lead vocals and guitar, Josh Ingle on drums and bassist Oliver Waller, performed in a line-up of nine bands from the wider region, including competitors from as far away as Dannevirke High School.

Guitarist Dotrice said the band took second place at the annual competition, which was held this month at King Street Live in Masterton, and also qualified for a chance to enter the national finals.

"This is really exciting for all of us, especially for Josh and Oliver, as it is their first Rockquest," he said.