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Fairhall School pupils were rocking along to Marlborough Boys’ College jazz band Funkasaurus Rex on Wednesday morning.
The college is one of 11 South Island high schools represented at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival being held in Marlborough this week.
Opening with Ride Sally Ride, the programme gave most of the young musicians a chance to shine including Leni Manson on alto and baritone saxophone. The Marlborough Girls’ College student was the sole female member of the otherwise all-boy band.
Blood, Sweat & Tears original, Spinning Wheel, featuring vocalist Ben Kenny was a firm favourite with the young audience who swayed, clapped, and nodded their heads along.
Guitarist Louis Girling said this was the first time Funkasaurus Rex had performed in public and his first year at Southern Jam.
“I’m enjoying playing in a band and being on stage,” Louis said. “I’m really looking forward to taking one of my loves and going up against other schools in a competition, playing at the pub gigs, and listening to the different styles and even genres that other schools play.”
Anthony Phelps/Stuff
Funkasaurus Rex vocalist Ben Kenny belts out a song.
Louis’ favourite piece was The Chicken, the band’s final song in a bracket of five.
“It’s upbeat, has a groovy bass line and gives heaps of opportunities for solos which is always fun.”
Not only was the festival an opportunity for young musicians to perform, compete and learn from other musicians, it also gave the public a chance to enjoy top quality jazz at local cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Bands from Wakaitipu, Burnside, Christchurch Boys’, Shirley Boys’ and Burnside High Schools, Christ’s College, St Margaret’s College and Rangi Ruru Girls’ School are giving free performances at public venues in Blenheim, Picton and Renwick until Saturday.
Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival closes with a concert at the ASB Theatre in Blenheim on Friday evening. Participating bands, competition winners and an All Stars Band will perform alongside judges including Dr Rodger Fox, Dr Dave Wilson and Erna Ferry.
Anthony Phelps/Stuff
Fairhall pupils are all ears, as Funkasaurus Rex plays at their school.
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