Deco Bay Brass, with Havelock North High School choirs, presented an exhilarating concert in Waiapu Cathedral, Napier, on Friday 27 May. The musicians were supported by special guests New Zealand tenor Patrick Power, champion cornetist David Maas and our own ex-student Larissa Kent. 
The programme was varied. Deco Bay Brass opened with Amparito Roca, by Jaime Texidor. Their precision and vibrancy set the tone for the evening. All five Havelock choirs performed well, showing their weeks of practice for this concert, followed by The Big Sing on 2 June. The soloists filled the grand space of the cathedral with their wonderful performances. The night ended with ‘Lest We Forget’, which combines a Scottish lament, ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘The Last Post’.  Conductor, Robbie Cargill, ensured the blend of Deco Bay Brass, the massed choirs and soloists. The atmospheric sound filled the cathedral and the large audience loved the entire concert.
Our choristers had spent the afternoon waiting for their rehearsal slot. They were respectful and patient as they supported each other. Ultimately they were rewarded by singing at a professional level, increasing their confidence and giving them more understanding of how excellent performances are achieved.