Obituary – Mr Wasson

Auckland Grammar School mourns the loss of Music teacher Mr Wasson who passed away after a recent diagnosis of a serious health issue.

Mr Wasson was an experienced teacher of Music, who started teaching at the School in January 2009. Mr Wasson was a loyal teacher who shared his passion for music with students and staff alike. His contributions within the department and faculty were respected and appreciated by his colleagues and the students in his care. Mr Wasson had held numerous positions of responsibility at the School including Head of Department from 2018-2022, Director of the Premier Concert Band and was the Director of Performance Music from October 2022.

Outside of the classroom, Mr Wasson was a capable musician in his own right, playing the tuba. He extended his personal love of music to directing and conducting musical groups in an extracurricular sense. Most recently, these have included the Wind Band, a development group and the Premier Concert Band, with both groups performing last week in the KBB Festival as well as the School’s recent Winter Concert Series. The Concert Band also earned a Silver award at the recent New Zealand Concert Band Association Competition. Mr Wasson also led the Headmaster’s Social Awareness Committee for the last decade.

The Auckland Grammar School community extends its deepest sympathies to Mr Wasson’s family and friends. His nearly 16 years’ service, expertise and contributions to the life of Auckland Grammar School, particularly the Performing Arts and the teaching of music were sincerely appreciated by his colleagues, students and Old Boys.

The flag on the Main Block of the School will be at half-mast today as a sign of respect and to recognise Mr Wasson’s life.

Per Angusta Ad Augusta