Ad Augusta May 2012 - Takapuna Grammar School

AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Oldies but Goodies Grace West Side Story Orchestra
West Side Story is a gigantic show in every way, but none
more so than in its music. The score challenges both cardiac
and cognitive systems.
Musical Director, Mr Stent, has assembled an accomplished
orchestra from among the students of TGS but also from
past pupils as well as several talented parents.
When she heard we were doing West Side Story, former
orchestra leader and member of The Trio of Doom, Emily
Bouhuis, insisted on being invited. Mr Stent shoulder tapped
some of our most talented former students. Susannah Jaques
on fl ute, Michael Tidbury on trombone, James Brooke on
electric bass and John McCall on guitar. John pointed out
it is the hardest music he’s had to play. No-one is denying it.
Paddy and Julia Cornfi eld are professional musicians
and bring keyboard (the cello part) and saxophone to the
ensemble. “It’s the only musical I’d do for free,” said Paddy
Cornfi eld. He also doubles as rehearsal pianist when needed.
Our nationally renowned clarinet teacher and director of
the Concert Band, Mr Andrew Uren, takes on the diffi cult
B and E Flat and bass clarinet parts. He currently has a CD
out championing contemporary music for the clarinet. The
Auckland Philharmonia has kindly leant us the instruments.
Several students are playing multiple parts. Holly Griffi n
plays four – fl ute, clarinet, bass clarinet and tenor saxophone.
Gemma Price does fl ute, oboe and cor anglais. Jordan
Griffi th plays clarinet and baritone sax.
Head of Maths, Ms Sam Cooke, picks up the standing bass
and has rediscovered her skill while losing feeling in the
fi ngers of her right hand. She is thrilled and challenged by
the highly layered score.
The orchestra dazzled the cast at the one complete playthrough
before showtime. A number of players are
professional as the parts are simply too diffi cult for students.
Since we have to pay them we don’t train that often with
the pros. We get only 2 rehearsals with the entire orchestra
before we’re on.
But at the play-through, the cast felt like surfers riding the
biggest, bounciest wave. “It’s such a huge sound”, “Sounds
just like the sound track we’ve been singing and dancing to”,
“Sooo cooooool” were some of the responses.“ It was really,
really good” said one clearly overwhelmed student.
Music
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