“It sparked a new passion and a fresh avenue for me,” he said.
School of Rock has allowed him to explore a greater depth of expression, bridging his own musical background with the intricacies of theatre.
“I am very fortunate to be part of an amazing, creative team and seeing the production come to life from words on pieces of paper is a thrilling thing to witness,” he said.
English composer and theatrical producer Andrew Lloyd Webber penned the music for the rock musical.
School of Rock started life in 2003 as a movie starring Jack Black. It made its debut as a musical on Broadway in 2015. Since then, the musical theatre version has been staged globally, translated into different languages and continuing to attract audiences.
Originally from Wairoa but raised in Porirua, Waiora Paul-Utiera embarked on his musical journey at the age of nine when he joined the Ratana Morehu Silver Band in Wellington. He played the cornet — similar to the trumpet, but more compact.
He toured around the country as a Ratana brass band member, relishing the mentorship that came with it.
“Those formative years provided me with a strong foundation for my musical development,” said Paul-Utiera.
His experience grew as he was exposed to the vibrant music scene in the Wellington region.
Making the move to Gisborne, he studied performing arts at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and received a Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Performing Arts in 2019.
He works now as an itinerant music teacher at Lytton High School. Itinerant teachers of music (ITMs) perform a very important role in secondary schools, supporting the performance aspects of music courses and enabling students to develop their musical talents in performance.
Paul-Utiera is also a member and assistant musical director of the Gisborne Civic Brass Band and the musical director of the Gisborne Concert Band.
His passion for music doesn’t stop there. He plays in local bands Supreme Brother Sound, Sonora Latina, and Lars and the Clandestinos as a trumpet player.
In his new role for School of Rock, Paul-Utiera faced the challenge of presenting a musical that depends on the young characters being able to play instruments. He insisted the music should be played live by “real” people.
“It was a mission pulling my crew together to achieve this. But it has been absolutely worth it,” he said.
His responsibilities extend to coordinating three bands for the show — the offstage pit band, providing musical accompaniment, and two onstage bands.
One of those onstage bands is made up of teenagers, adding an exciting dynamic to the production. Two bands play simultaneously at various points throughout the show.
“We are very lucky to have a fabulous and talented cast — each bringing their own uniqueness to the table for us to work with,” said Paul-Utiera.
He hopes to see more musicians contribute their skills and expertise to the local musical theatre community, enabling local productions to have live music.
“I believe that good live music enriches the whole musical theatre experience.
“I am very excited and keen to get the job done,” said Paul-Utiera on the up-and-coming show.
The School of Rock musical opens at the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre on November 10 and runs to 18. Bookings can be made at i-Site Gisborne and Ticketek.
