Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of conducting at the Bay of Plenty Music School, held for the second year in Tauranga. Check out my previous post if you’d like some more info about the music school.

It was a really fantastic weekend. The wind orchestra players (my group) were really keen to do some hard work, loved the selection of music, were really positive and after the 13 hours of rehearsal arose to present a really tight and energetic performance on the Sunday afternoon.

Rehearsing the massed item, Handel's "Zadok the Priest".

Timpani anyone?

The (very good!) horns.

Peter Thomas rehearsing the combined orchestra item, "Danse Macabre" by Saint-Saëns.

Conducting the wind orchestra, possibly "October" by Eric Whitacre.

David Squire conducting the choir.

The choir, in fine form.

Peter Thomas conducting the string orchestra in Elgar's "Serenade for Strings".

Conducting my section of the massed item, Handel's "Zadok the Priest".

David Squire conducting his section of Handel's "Zadok the Priest".

So, where is it next year? Rotorua! Interested in going? Stay tuned in to their website and I’ll see you there.