Rhapsody Rotorua students warm up before their performance at St Mary's Catholic School. Photo/Stephen Parker
Rhapsody Rotorua students warm up before their performance at St Mary's Catholic School. Photo/Stephen Parker
It has been music to Rotorua's ears as students perform and hone their musical skills.
Rotorua is hosting talented music students as they congregate for Rhapsody Rotorua.
The event is a premier youth musician festival, attracting about 600 students from about 15 New Zealand and Australian schools.
The festival runs from July 2 to July 8.
Rhapsody Rotorua includes the students putting on two free concerts which feature music of all genres with concert bands, orchestras, big bands, choirs, string and percussion groups, jazz singers and more.
One concert was held yesterdayand the other is this evening at the Harvest Centre.
Karene Phillips, the leader for WorldStrides Performing Arts programmes, says Rhapsody Rotorua is a rare opportunity for music students to connect with like-minded peers, build confidence onstage by performing at public concerts and local schools, and further their development through adjudication and professional coaching.
This is in addition to experiencing the unique educational and adventure activities on offer in Rotorua, she says.
"Opportunities like this don't present themselves very often for these young musicians."
Elina Jayamanna, 13, from Doncaster Secondary College plays the viola and sings. She has been singing since she was 2-years-old and playing the viola since the start of last year.
She says she has enjoyed Rotorua Rhapsody and has learnt a lot.
"It's a great way to build up confidence with performing because you are pretty much performing every day."
She says she loves the sound a group of musicians can make.
"It's the most amazing thing - everyone is playing their different parts and it comes together."
Doncaster Secondary College student Kelly Wong, 17, has played the violin for six years and the piano for about 13.
She says the event has been a great experience and enjoys how everyone is able to work together.
"It's a great way to meet new people and learn new skills."
Doncaster Secondary School students play at their adjudication. Photo/Shauni James
Whangarei Youth Music conductor Roger McClean says their students are from a multitude of schools and levels.
He says the free public concerts are great nights out with a variety of pieces played.
Whangarei Youth Music tour manager Margaret Craig says Rhapsody Rotorua is a fantastic opportunity for the youth to mix with a diverse group of people.
"It gives them a bigger picture too. A lot of kids don't get the opportunity to watch others perform."
The adjudication was also a nice opportunity, and getting feedback from the conductors was always valued, she says.
Whangarei Youth Music conductor Felicity Christian says the children enjoy meeting other musicians from different places.
"I think it gives groups a focus and something to practice for and work towards. It gives them the encouragement to get music up to a certain standard.
