Taupō’s big day of music

Flute tutors Monique Vossen and Carrie Vander Zwaag (behind) playing alongside students at the Big Music Day in 2023. 

The Taupō School of Music’s Big Music Day is back again - this time with a naval twist.

Seven members of the Royal New Zealand Navy Band will be attending to assist, with one, Leading Musician Priscilla Scanlan conducting one of the pieces.

The day of rehearsals followed by a concert has become a permanent fixture on the music calendar and is now moving beyond its 25th year – as far as organisers can recall.

Between 150 and 200 musicians from Taupō’s local schools and home schoolers will be assisted by adult players from Taupō Brass, Taupō Concert Band, Great Lake Big Band, Great Lake Music Company and the Taupō Strings Orchestra to form a giant orchestra, rehearsing before a one-off public performance.

The students, from those just learning to those about to head to university, participate on strings, brass, woodwind, guitars, keyboards and recorders, to percussion and drums.

The RNZN Band attendance, four clarinets, one bass clarinet, trumpet and flute, is through a connection with former Tauhara College student Aiden West – now a member of the band.

As well as learning to cope with different conducting styles and the skill of ensemble playing, such as learning to count rests, come in on time and adjust volume, the day also results in students looking to explore a wider range of music and instruments, said TSOM principal Jo Paull – and this time perhaps also careers in music.

This year’s conductors, Scanlan, Lauren MacMillan and Matt West will take the orchestra through five different pieces during the day, culminating in the concert for family, friends and supporters. 

Numbers attending last year meant standing room only, said Paul, who has scored the pieces so every child can participate. 

The goal was that those attending left with a bit more confidence, experience, and had enjoyed being part of such a large group, she said. 

Guest performers at the final concert will this year again include the popular Keynotes Choir, Taupō Youth Strings and Taupō Youth Wind Band, with the bonus of an ensemble made up of the RNZN Band members also playing.

The 2025 Big Music Day is Thursday, September 18 at the Great Lake Centre with the approximately hour-long concert beginning at 4.30pm – koha entry.