Waiariki talent out to shine | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Waiariki Academy of Singing and Music students are about to reveal what six months of tutoring has taught them as part of celebrations for Matariki.

The students will perform their first showcase since the academy's launch in February.

Waiariki Academy of Singing and Music manager Ngapera Riley said the Matariki Showcase would be the first of many for the academy and would show off the students' progress.

"Over the last six months, our students have had access to professional vocal training and music coaching. The Matariki showcase is something they have been preparing for since the inaugural launch this year and will show just how much they have improved."

The showcase will feature kapa haka, choir singing, band performances and solo and quartet performances.

"There are a lot of different performance categories but they are all, in a sense, main performances," Ms Riley said.

The performances would count towards student portfolios and the event would give the students experience in entertaining an audience.

"This is a professional event that people are paying for. The students are well aware of that and viewers can expect a great show."

Te Kahuirangi Webster is among the academy students preparing for the Maori New Year concert.

He is involved in the choir, kapa haka and the Waiariki band.

"We have a massive mix of talent to show," he said.

"There will be mixed genre performances, including a jazz piece, a little bit of old school and even a combined band and choir performance of the Queen classic Bohemian Rhapsody."

Te Kahuirangi said he was excited about the show.

"We have a lot of people looking forward to coming out and supporting us. We practise every day and things have been getting pretty full-on as the night has come closer. I cannot wait," he said.

All Waiariki Academy of Music students will be involved in the night of entertainment.

MATARIKI SHOWCASE
When: Saturday, June 11.
Where: Aorangi Peak Restaurant.
Time: 7pm to 9.30pm.
Tickets: $20 from I Block Waiariki Cashier at Waiariki Institute of Technology's Mokoia Campus in Rotorua.