Playing fast and tight, and all that jazz

YOUNG PERFORMERS: The Huntley School Jazz band (from left) Matthew Seumanu, Sam Dixon, Henry Sherris, Mark Seumanu, Ethan Gillespie and Brennan Couchman. Absent was Hunter Stoneman-Boyle. Photo / Supplied

The Huntley School Jazz Band was described by their teacher as a talented group of young musicians with remarkable improvisation skills who were a joy to teach.

The seven boys aged between 11 and 13, were awarded the Adjudicators Commendation Award at the New Zealand School of Music Festival last weekend in Wellington for an outstanding performance.

Music teacher Sandra Wheeler said the award was usually given to an individual but the Huntley boys really impressed the judges by giving an outstanding performance.

"I was very proud of them."

This was the third year of the festival held at the St James Theatre, Wellington, where more than 40 secondary schools from throughout New Zealand competed.

Huntley School was not only one of the smallest schools to enter, its students were also younger and a lot less experienced than their secondary school competitors, Ms Wheeler said.

"But these boys are all very good and young to be such skilled improvisers."

Cornet player Henry Sherris, 11, said he's been playing the cornet for about two years.

"Yes, I enjoy it very much and I'm so pleased we did well."

Henry said he was keen on pursuing a career in music when he leaves school and also studying sound engineering.

One of the most exciting parts of the weekend was going along to some of the master classes on Saturday at the School of Music campus at Massey University.

"That was so amazing for us."

Ms Wheeler said it was wonderful to watch her students throughout the master classes.

"They sat there and soaked it up, they just loved it."