The Youth Orchestra’s leader Nesta Lade took part in the annual Hawkes Bay Festival of the Bands on Sunday May 20th as solo violinist in the Havelock North High School Concert Band and was awarded first place for best Junior Solo Performance against competition from as far afield as Palmerston North and the Waikato region

Congratulations on a fine polished performance, we are so proud of you.

Nesta played Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla. Oblivion is a well known Tango written originally for Chamber Orchestra and was arranged by HNHS Head of Music Mr Robbie Cargill.

The adjudicator’s comments were as follows

“Great opening – atmosphere created.  Lovely tone and intonation from soloist.  Band showed great empathy with the soloist and then when they take over  with well controlled syncopation.  Lovely finish, well played.  A great performance and well arranged well done!”

The HNHS Concert band also contains several Youth Orchestra members, Connor Grant, Brian Liem, Drew Olsen, Niamh Edwards and Cameron Brizzle. Well played to you also.