What a week, what an adventure! Four Australian schools—St. Marks Anglican Community School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Carine Senior High School, and Perth Modern School brought almost 200 students to Rotorua, New Zealand for a week-long extravaganza of music and adventure.
After a travel day on Sunday for most schools, Monday marked the beginning of the fun and games of the festival.
Monday
Hobbiton was a hit with our groups. They enjoyed an engaging two-hour guided tour of the magical rolling hills and movie set of The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. They visited Bilbo Baggins' home, explored a hobbit hole, and wrapped up the tour with a refreshing drink at the famed Green Dragon. The experience was nothing short of amazing, and rave reviews abounded.
Tuesday
Our young musicians prepared for their first public performances at local schools. Glenholme School, Bethlehem College, Aorangi School, and Sunset Primary School warmly welcomed our performing groups. The interaction between visiting and local students was enriching for all.
Here’s a snippet of the feedback from Hazel Warnes, head of Bethlehem College Chapman, about the impact of Carine Senior High School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School on their school visit:
“From beginning to end we could not be more grateful that we were selected for such an opportunity as this affords. We were inspired, entertained, educated & abundantly blessed as we listened to the orchestra, choir, jazz, rock & percussion groups perform. Such talent, focus, passion & motivation amidst hours of dedicated practice to present a concert of such quality.
Your young people certainly did your school proud by the beautiful courtesy they displayed and the dedication with which they played & sang. They exposed our young people, aged between 5 & 12 years of age, to such a wide range of musical genres, history, instruments & arrangements…exposure the majority would not have previously had. Incredible!”
To cap off the day, students gathered for the official welcome dinner at Agrodome and enjoyed a private farm show before returning to their accommodation at Sudima Lake Rotorua.
Wednesday
The day began with adjudications and workshops for some schools, while others performed at local venues. Waikato Diocese School also joined us for the musical festivities. Later, students convened at the magnificent Sir Howard Morrison Centre to prepare for the Matinee Show. They lit up the stage with specially crafted pieces for the festival. After the show, rehearsals began for Friday’s concert with the Honours and Festival ensembles.
Dinner was a memorable experience! Te Pui welcomed students for a Hangi dinner and an incredible cultural performance. Once dinner was over, they ventured through geothermal wonderland to discover geysers and bubbling mud pools.
Thursday
Another packed musical day awaits! Students gathered in their school ensembles for further adjudications and workshops, and St Mark’s performed at St Mary’s Catholic School. Afterwards, students split into groups for Honours and Festival rehearsals before a dinner break. Refreshed and dressed in their uniforms, they returned to the Sir Howard Morrison Centre for their second concert.
We were honoured to be joined by the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, who put on a spectacular show. Students once again impressed the Rotorua community and showcased the payoff of their hard work and dedication to music.
Friday
The morning featured wisdom from our phenomenal educators! Students expanded their horizons with clinics on jazz rhythms, a conducting masterclass, drama games, the science of singing, and much more!
A big shoutout to our star mentors—Nick, Roger, David, Lara, the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, Pamela, Sammy, Leah, Ruani, and Matt—thank you for educating our students and sharing your invaluable knowledge.
After lunch, mixed Honours and Festival ensembles rehearsed for tonight’s concert! Excitement filled the air as students practised the songs they would perform on stage in just a few hours.
Students put on another incredible show and should be very proud considering they only spent a few hours rehearsing together. The night concluded the musical aspect of the festival as students returned to their accommodation to rest before a day of adventure activities!
"An absolute wow moment for me on the tour was definitely performing in the jazz and rock band. I play classical music, so it was out there for me to be playing rock and jazz, but the vibes on stage and the bands themselves were just incredible." - Student, St Mark's Anglican Community School. See more reflections from students via St Mark's Anglican Community School.
Saturday
From Velocity Valley and the Kiwi Hatchery to Skyline Rotorua and Luge, the Buried Village, Wai-o-Tapu, Mini Golf and Hell’s Gate, students enjoyed a plethora of activities in Rotorua, creating memories to last a lifetime! The pictures say it all!
Everyone attended the presentation evening at Stratosfare Restaurant atop Skyline Rotorua to close off the festival. Students received their adjudication certificates, enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, and danced the night away together. It was the perfect way to end the week, celebrating newly formed friendships!
What an amazing week and unforgettable experience! A huge thanks to the incredibly talented students who participated in this year's festival and their outstanding teachers, whose dedication and hard work made this trip possible.
We’re already excited for Rhapsody Rotorua 2025, which promises to be even bigger and better!
Music teachers and directors - if you're keen to see your students on stage in 2025, we're offering $200 off per student when you book and deposit by 30 November.
Rhapsody Rotorua 2024 highlights!
