What can I say other than to express my absolute thanks, gratitude and immense pride for what has been a huge couple of weeks. Over the last two weeks we have had the KBB festival, the Cadenza fundraiser concert, the All Blacks half time entertainment, Cadenza contest, the Pacific Music Awards and tomorrow, the SUSO semifinals at the town hall. The sheer amount of events and competitions happening at the moment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, discipline and sheer talent of our St Paul's College musicians. I am immensely proud of everyone who have been and who are still stepping up and continuing to raise the performance standards of our college. All the best to our senior band 'First Impressions' who perform at the semifinals of Stand Up Stand Out tomorrow, Saturday 31 August at 4.00pm in the Auckland Town Hall. 

Cadenza Choir Fundraiser 

We had an incredible turnout for our Cadenza Choir Fundraiser, held on Friday 16 August. The event was SOLD OUT 24 hours prior, leading us to open an additional six tables, which were quickly claimed. The evening was expertly hosted by our Guest MC, Ma’a Brian Sagala from 531 PI Radio Station.

We were graced with special performances by the remarkable Ben Makisi, often hailed as our Polynesian Pavarotti, Award-winning Samoan Female Artist Tree Vaifale, and Award-winning artist and Choral Director Lesa Lani Alo. Additionally, we had a group of St Paul’s College alumni who formed a band "Last Minute" to support the Choir: Viliami Tupa’i, Selevasio Tuima, Falakiko Sosefo, Josh Smith, Dexter Aiga, and Josh Vaka.

The evening also featured a lively performance by the Dad's Band, 'Fatherhood Musiq,' composed of four fathers of current students who are music industry professionals and wanted to support their sons. Our teachers Mrs Fiu and Ms Eniata brought the house down with a surprise mashup of 'Cruisin' and Coolio's hits.

Finally, our student band, 'First Impressionz'—featuring Josiah Tupa’i, Genesis and Revelation Tagaloa, Henry Glen, Zephaniah Tele'a, Leaam Kelemete, and Kyan Henry—captivated the audience with their rendition of the classic CHICAGO song, 'You're the Inspiration.' And the Cadenza Choir, the reason behind this fundraiser, delivered all four of their competition pieces under the leadership of Music Director Mr Terence Maskell, accompanied by Da-Hae Kim and supported by HOD Music Mr Glenn Stanbridge. Thank you to everyone who came out to support. 

We wish the Cadenza Choir all the best in their final preparations as they head to the North Island Finale in Rotorua this coming weekend.

KKB Festival

Here are some highlights from the KBB festival, which was held on the Friday 16 August. 

Cadenza

Cadenza was an amazing experience and one which has resulted in the choir coming home with a Gold Tui, which is the highest category awarded at Cadenza. We celebrate this incredible success last weekend in Rotorua with the young people, parents and staff who have put in a lot of work in the lead up to Cadenza. The choir were exemplary in all aspects of the competition and were definitely the favourites for many of the ushers and theatre staff at the event. Thank you Mr Maskell for working your magic with our choir in such a short time. There will be opportunities in the coming weeks for any students who would like to join our college choir, which is now called 'Confortare'. Watch Breakfast on TVNZ 1 next Thursday at 8.20am to see our college choir perform in the TVNZ studio. All choir members will need to be at school in full clean uniform at 6.45am Thursday 5 September so we will be at the studio on time. 

All Blacks vs Argentina Half Time Show at Eden Park

Nine young men from St Paul's College, who are members of the Auckland Pasifika Schools Choir under the direction of Nainz Tupa'i, delivered an outstanding halftime performance at Eden Park during the All Blacks vs. Argentina game. The group presented a unique Kiwiana piece, enhanced by an impressive strobe and lighting display. Their performance earned a standing ovation from the entire stadium, with many commenting that it was the best halftime show performance to date. Well done to Josiah Tupa'i, Mavicle Auvaa, Montell Laumea, Genesis and Revelation Tagaloa, Christian Faumuina, Jesse Lemalu, Isaiah Faiva and Munaloto Teisi.

Pacific Music Awards 

Well done to our young men who represented the college at the Pacific Music Awards on Thursday 29 August. They were part of the Pasifika Secondary Schools Choir, who, combined with several well known Pasifika Music artists, performed a song which was composed to celebrate the 20th PMA’s. A special treat was to see our Year 12 student Josiah Tupa'i conducting the choir, which was televised!