The Honours Band is open to all students attending the festival who are playing at a Grade 6 AMEB level or higher. They are nominated by their teachers and can choose from Concert Band, Stage Band, String Orchestra (if enough students) and Choir. Students who participate in an Honours or Festival Band join with other students to learn a piece of music which will be performed during the live concert.
How do the adjudications work? Are they optional?
Each ensemble can choose to be adjudicated, which also includes a workshop or to just perform. Schools can bring multiple ensembles to perform and/or be adjudicated. Each ensemble has a 20 minute adjudicated performance, followed by a 40 minute workshop with one of the adjudicators at a later time. Each ensemble is adjudicated by two independent adjudicators.
What is an adjudication?
An adjudication is to be judged against a certain criteria and marked accordingly based on the performance given at the time. Groups are awarded a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate based upon their performance. This certificate is presented at the Saturday night dinner.
Can we travel with our own instruments?
Yes you can bring your own instruments but depending on the airline, there may be additional luggage costs. We will advise of any additional costs after booking when flights are secured.Note: smaller instruments such as flutes, clarinets, violins and trumpets, can generally be taken on board as carry-on luggage.Double Bass must be hired at additional cost and cannot travel on flights.Cello’s can be taken on the flight, however they may require an additional seat to be purchased. This is because they can be damaged easily in-flight due to cabin pressure etc. If groups wish to transport cellos in the cabin, it’s best to arrange this as early as possible. They can also be hired locally at an additional cost.
What instruments are supplied as a part of the festival?
Adjudications/Workshops/Public Concerts Full Orchestral Backline (provided in Sir Owen Glenn Theatre, typically for concert bands and orchestras): 4 x timpani, 1 x marimba, 1 x glockenspiel, 1 x pair of cymbals, concert snare drum, bass drum, piano Full Jazz/Stage Band Backline (provided in the room used for jazz, stage and rock bands): drum kit, bass amps, guitar amps, keyboard amps, keyboard
School Visit (limited equipment available) 1 x drum kit, PA system, bass amps, guitar amps, keyboard amps, keyboard. Additional equipment required can be sourced locally if requested, but is not guaranteed and additional hire fees will apply. Additional equipment may also only be available at main venue and not necessarily for school visit performances.
Do we need to bring our own music stands?
Yes. Schools will need to bring their own music stands on the tour.
Can students leave the group at the end of the tour?
Yes! You can add days at the beginning or end of the festival. Common options are 1-2 days skiing at Mt Rhuapehu or 1-2 nights in Auckland before the festival, some groups choose to spread out their optional activities before or after the festival to allow more free time for students.
Are we able to extend our tour?
Yes! You can add days at the beginning or end of the festival. Common options are 1-2 days skiing at Mt Rhuapehu or 1-2 nights in Auckland before the festival, some groups choose to spread out their optional activities before or after the festival to allow more free time for students.
How many schools participate in Rhapsody Rotorua?
The number of schools and students varies each year, however approx. 200-500 Australian and New Zealand students usually participate each year.
