Ngā Rau Mahara through to secondary schools' regional chamber music finals

Ngā Rau Mahara members say they are excited to move on to the regional finals which take place in Auckland this month. From left, Ripeka Akurangi, Hinerauiri Cotter-Luke, Siseliani Grant, Te Whaiororangihuia Webster, Timana Pokoati, Tetiniariki Pokoati and Saqqara Warmenhoven (absent). Picture by Avneesh Vincent

Girls’ High band Ngā Rau Mahara took the top honours during the Central district round of the national secondary schools’ chamber music contest at Lawson Field Theatre on Tuesday night.

The seven-piece rock band put on a stunning show which won them the overall performance of the night and they also took home the best  rendition of a New Zealand work award.

“I felt like it was extremely relieving to channel our energy into music that we have been working hard to master for over a year. We are just happy to have accomplished it,” band member Te Whaiororangihuia Webster said.

On the night, the group played two compositions titled Te Aroha and Te Rewanga o Matariki which were met by a wide round of applause as they finished off as the seventh group participating in the competition.

While the waiata Te Aroha is about whānau and growth, Te Rewanga o Matariki is about Matariki,  and provides educational information about the Māori new year.

Remarking on the band’s performance, concert adjudicator Sarah Spence said: “Thank you so much for the beautiful, lyrical and touching performance. I was very impressed by the balance you brought and the way you blended your voices.

“I also like how you settled in with a  nice groove which was really enjoyable. However, the only tiny point I would like to share is that after working so hard to create a special atmosphere, try to keep your music sustained a bit longer when you finish off. The thing is time moves faster on stage and we need a bit more time as an audience. Otherwise it was a very moving performance.”

Webster said the band would definitely soak in the feedback and put it to good use for their performance in the regional finals which take places in Auckland on June 24.

Mrs Spence also heaped praise on the other six groups, who put on a splendid show.

Prior to handing out the certificates the renowned cellist said: “ It’s a shame to put the competition element in, especially when it was a well rounded concert for some very beautiful performances. It’s a snapshot in time of stuff that happened here today.

“I just want to take a moment to say a huge congratulations to all of your teachers, who have worked hard to get you to this point, and to the families  supporting this as well.”

Mrs Spence said she comes from a family who didn’t know anything about the music world, but was “super lucky” that her family “bundled me and my cello in a car and drove me to rehearsals, my lessons and concerts”.

“So a huge thanks to your families and I hope they keep encouraging you all, as there is some serious talent in Gisborne.”

District contest organiser Anna Marie-Fenn said: “I think the diversity of music we heard tonight proves this space in chamber music is for everybody and I would love to see it grow.”