Performing Arts Awards
Auckland Grammar School has a proud history of excellence within the Performing Arts. The school offers a variety of pathways within the arts for boys to develop and showcase their skills and talents.
From Theatre to Drama, Cultural to Music groups, Debating and more, the Performing Arts are a fundamental component of our school and allow boys to reach the pinnacle in their chosen field. It was a privilege that last year we could institute the Performing Colour and that tradition can continue with recognising individual excellence from within the Performing Arts.
Each year Auckland Grammar students perform on a variety of Performing Arts stages and contexts both within the school and externally. To individually excel at the highest level of their chosen field requires considerable dedication, commitment, practice and rehearsal.
These recipients have also been assisted along their journey by dedicated teachers, mentors and tutors. We are fortunate to have staff who continue to commit significant time to support these groups and students. Without this commitment and support from our Grammar staff the breadth of opportunities for you as students would not be there.
On Tuesday 3 December 2024, during the Colours and Performing Arts Assembly, five students received Performing Arts Awards. There were also three special Performing Arts awards for Excellence, Contribution and Outstanding Performance of the Year.
The Performing Arts Excellence Award is given to the student who, by quality of performance and all-round effort, has contributed and excelled most in his given Performing Arts activity, and the 2024 recipient is Prefect M. A. Ramassh (above left).
Ramassh has exhibited a dedication and passion for music throughout his tenure at School, particularly shining in the school Big Band, Jazz Combo, the Symphony Orchestra and Grammar Virtuosi. His past involvements also include the Premier Concert Band and piano accompanist for Grammarphonics. His active involvement extended to leadership roles where he led the Big Band and Jazz combo, showcasing his musical talent and leadership skills.
His commitment to musical excellence is evident in his clear goals and unwavering pursuit of success. He is proficient in three instruments and this dedication has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, juniors, and teachers, fostering a positive and inspiring atmosphere within our music community. Ramassh stands as a role model, exemplifying both dedication and leadership.
His achievements include receiving his ATCL Diploma in Violin, winning the Asia Pacific Musicians Association Piano and Orchestral Instruments at the Auckland Music Festival in 2022, winning best piano accompanist at the Big Sing, the Form 3 Piano Cup and more recently together with his Jazz Combo colleagues, winning Gold in both the National Youth Jazz Competition, along with the Mason Trophy Musicianship Award, and the Auckland Jazz Competition.
The Performing Arts Contribution Award is given to the student who has given most whole-heartedly and most widely to the Performing Arts activities of the School, and the 2024 recipient is Prefect J. B. Qi (above right).
Qi is a dedicated member of numerous Performing Arts groups at our School. His commitment to excellence in his artistic pursuits is commendable, consistently demonstrated through his exceptional work ethic as a performer.
Qi has been actively involved in Performing Arts groups such as the Asian Cultural Group, Korean Cultural Group, Grammar Virtuosi, Symphony Orchestra, the Headmaster’s Cultural Committee and School Prefect.
Qi was one of two overall leaders for the Asian Cultural Group and co-leader of the Chinese Extravaganza. He was originally the leader of the Dragon Dance in 2023 but stepped down this year to become overall leader. He assisted in organising and managing all the performance groups for the 2024 Chinese Extravaganza while taking on duties such as MC for the evening and performing with the Chinese Chamber Orchestra playing the traditional Chinese Erhu instrument. He was also a contributor in the Korean Cultural Evening and our very successful Combined Cultural Evening
Qi’s commitment extends beyond personal achievements; he has been an excellent and well-organised leader showing himself to be reliable and committed, completing challenges to the highest standard while leading others in the group to do the same. He is held in high regard both here at Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar School. His willingness to contribute his time and talents across a broad range of performing arts activities while balancing his studies and his School Prefect duties make him a valuable role model.
The Outstanding Performance of the Year is given to the best individual performance in any performing arts field, and the 2023 recipient is Form 7 student P. C. J. Lu.
Lu’s talent and dedication to music are evident through his outstanding performances across several ensembles including the Premier Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Groups. His versatility and proficiency as an instrumentalist, excelling in bassoon, clarinet, and bass clarinet, has made him an invaluable asset in each of these ensembles. This has been shown in the KBB adjudicators comments where mention of his “beautiful solo playing” made him standout.
In addition to his technical skills, Lu’s leadership as the section leader of the Premier Concert Band stands out. He has been responsible for mentoring his peers and leading sectional rehearsals, always fostering a positive and cohesive atmosphere.
List of 2024 Colours recipients for Performing Arts
C. H. S. Cheung for Violin
Cheung is a standout performer at Auckland Grammar School. He has distinguished himself through exceptional musical achievements. As concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra and a member of Grammar Virtuosi, he has demonstrated remarkable performance skills and leadership.
His crowning achievements include obtaining an ATCL Performance Diploma, a qualification equivalent in standard to the first-year recital of an undergraduate degree and securing a first violin position in the Auckland Youth Orchestra. A finalist in the School’s Minister’s Plate Competition, Cheung exemplifies musical excellence and dedication.
W. Lee for Viola
A distinguished musician, Lee joined the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra in 2024, building on his experience with the Auckland Youth Orchestra since 2021. As a versatile performer, he plays violin in the School’s Symphony Orchestra and viola in Grammar Virtuosi. His musical talents have been recognised through awards from the North Shore and South Auckland Performing Arts Society Competitions, highlighting his dedication and skill across multiple instrumental disciplines.
S. H. A. S. Peita for Public Speaking (Ngā Manu Kōrero)
In 2023, Peita made history at the Te Whaitua o Uenuku regional Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech Competition, winning the Korimako section for the third time in our school’s history.
This year he won the South Auckland regional section in the annual Manu Kōrero competition for the Korimako Senior English Prepared and Impromptu speech. He then represented himself and Auckland Grammar School in the National Ngā Manu Kōrero competition held in Auckland in September this year.
Peita has been dedicated to Kapa Kaka throughout his tenure at Auckland Grammar School. He led the creation and tutoring of the Kapa Haka bracket this year encouraging students to participate in Kapa Haka despite a late start. His effort was the main reason Auckland Grammar School was represented on the Polynesian Festival Māori stage. They were acknowledged at prizegiving with an award for Mau Rākau (Māori Weaponry).
Peita showed true leadership through his dedication and commitment in Kapa Haka by sacrificing other school activities in order to ensure that Kapa Haka was available to other students so that they could experience what he enjoys about this part of Māori culture. Teachers involved in this initiative were very proud of Peita and his efforts to ensure that our new students saw what it means to be a leader at our school.
C. R. Wedde for Bass Guitar
Wedde is a member of the School’s Big Band, Jazz Combo, Premier Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Music Ensembles showcasing his talent on both Bass Guitar and the Flute. Additionally, he is a member of the rock band: In Shade.
Recognised for his outstanding performance at the Smoke Free Rock Quest, Wedde and his band In Shade won the Auckland Central Regional Finals and competed at the National Finals this year.
His contribution to the music programme has been significant with his accomplishments demonstrating his talent, dedication, and ability to work effectively in a band setting.
Wedde’s exceptional musical abilities and achievements have earned him admission to the University of Auckland to study Jazz Performance in 2025.
R. V. Williams for Choral
As a valued leader and member of Grammarphonics as well as a long serving member of Grammar Voices, Williams has played a pivotal role in the success of these groups. His vocal talent and unwavering dedication have earned him national recognition, securing a coveted place in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Choir as a bass singer.
Williams’ commitment to excellence in the choral arts reflects not only his individual talent but also, his contribution to the choirs of our school.