The student concert took 4 years to rekindle due to various reasons, school examinations, not enough participation and other agendas but at the end of September a decision was made to go ahead and through the support of all the parents and students keen to participate, this finally happened on 15/16 October 2016. Due to the overwhelming response to perform from students, beginners to the more advanced, the Concert took a 2 days format, featuring 50+ young drummers, also allowing their bands to participate. Students from more than 20 schools on the Shore performed, as well as students from Henderson High School and St. Kentigern in Remuera. The finale was concluded on day 2, with Mark's band NASHA, performing their usual brand of Bollywood, Contemporary Pop and Kiwi Hits, with the students participating too. The Concert was held at St.John's School Hall, Mairangi Bay, North Shore.
Bands that featured:
EXHALE from MBIS (Murray's Bay Intermediate)
SLUMBUG (Long Bay College)
SKITZ (Rosmini College)
As this Concert was a Private affair for students and parents, with the latter contributing towards expenses, a decision was made to donate surplus income from the sale of food and drink to Mark's ex student - TASH EASEY as she was fundraising for EMPATH FINDER/LIVE MORE AWESOME - a charity helping people with Mental Health and Depression. This coincided with Mental health Awareness week in NZ.
Pictures contributed by:
Vishwa Balasubramaniam - CLIXTURES
Natalie Fox - Fox Fotography
Rach'el Tinsley
Monika Miller
Matthew Rhys
Bands that featured:
EXHALE from MBIS (Murray's Bay Intermediate)
SLUMBUG (Long Bay College)
SKITZ (Rosmini College)
As this Concert was a Private affair for students and parents, with the latter contributing towards expenses, a decision was made to donate surplus income from the sale of food and drink to Mark's ex student - TASH EASEY as she was fundraising for EMPATH FINDER/LIVE MORE AWESOME - a charity helping people with Mental Health and Depression. This coincided with Mental health Awareness week in NZ.
Pictures contributed by:
Vishwa Balasubramaniam - CLIXTURES
Natalie Fox - Fox Fotography
Rach'el Tinsley
Monika Miller
Matthew Rhys
."Thank you so much for putting on such a great concert at the weekend. I know how much work goes into organising something like this, so it is a total credit to you that it was such an amazing day. All the performers looked so confident up on stage, which is a real credit to your teaching ability and rapport with your students. I find it very uplifting to see all those amazing kids doing amazing things! I am so glad that Matt was able to perform in one of your concerts before he finishes up with lessons. He really enjoyed the opportunity of just being able to play on stage, without the pressure of knowing everything is being assessed and marked as it is, in the NCEA performances he has done.It will really be the end of an era for us when Matt’s lessons come to an end at the end of this year. The Friday night drumming lessons for both Ben and Matt have been part of our family routine for many years now! Both the boys have gained so much from their lessons, and you have been one of those people who has been very influential in their lives, and that they will always remember. They both (along with their parents of course) have the utmost respect for you as a teacher, and a friend.
Mark, thank you so, so much for all you have done over the years ... you are a total legend! "Jackie Bristow
" A huge thanks from Rajiv and me for all your efforts with Kyle. The concert was a great showcase of talent. Everyone we heard performed brilliantly and with confidence – testament to your passion and commitment. You really do an awesome job" Sonia & Rajiv Francis
" Thank you so much for organising the concerts. We had a fantastic afternoon listening to all the incredible talent! So impressed with everyone and I can tell you it is just what Jackson needed to give him the confidence but also a look forwards to what he can achieve in the years to come. The band's were his first experience of live music and a real eye opener. Your band is AMAZING. ..Bobby said he had the best day out in a long time! " Kelly Grant & Bob Croy
"Kiera, her aunt and I really enjoyed the concert and were impressed by the skills of your students. It certainly reflected well on you that so many of them passed their exams with distinction.It was more than obvious that your band enjoys playing music together and for the audience." Brigitta Sinton
" Thanks so much Mark, it was such a phenomenal show and great opportunity for the kids to have a go on stage. There's amazing talent in the group and it's a credit to you sharing yours. I was biting back tears most of the show, so so proud!! " x Kelly Fry
Mark you are AWESOME! Thanks for taking the time and effort to put on a great drum concert! Not just for the kids but also for putting the donations towards my charity! Malini! Thanks also to you! You're so amazing and great fun! I don't have everyone's contacts but please thank them for me!! Love you all!! Thanks!! Tash Easey
I would like to thank you for spending so much time putting the concert together. Natasha throughly enjoyed it and I was very impressed with the standard of all the students. Tania Young
As I'm sure the other parents of drummers say, it's not often that we get to see our kids perform in this way. We really enjoyed Sunday's concert - sorry we had to leave early...Those advanced grade drummers were particularly impressive and an inspiration to the younger ones coming through! Monika Miller
"The whole show was amazing and the talent of the drummers is a credit to you Mark" Kay Thurston
Thank you so very much for such an inspiring concert. It was wonderful to see the kids simply drum their little hearts out. You have some incredibly talented students - they just blew us away. A definite credit to your dedication, passion and gift as a teacher. The bond you share with each of them was very obvious to us - they are as lucky as you are. Thank you again for sharing the day with us and for giving Asha the chance to be a part of something so special. Anne Gin
Mark, thank you so, so much for all you have done over the years ... you are a total legend! "Jackie Bristow
" A huge thanks from Rajiv and me for all your efforts with Kyle. The concert was a great showcase of talent. Everyone we heard performed brilliantly and with confidence – testament to your passion and commitment. You really do an awesome job" Sonia & Rajiv Francis
" Thank you so much for organising the concerts. We had a fantastic afternoon listening to all the incredible talent! So impressed with everyone and I can tell you it is just what Jackson needed to give him the confidence but also a look forwards to what he can achieve in the years to come. The band's were his first experience of live music and a real eye opener. Your band is AMAZING. ..Bobby said he had the best day out in a long time! " Kelly Grant & Bob Croy
"Kiera, her aunt and I really enjoyed the concert and were impressed by the skills of your students. It certainly reflected well on you that so many of them passed their exams with distinction.It was more than obvious that your band enjoys playing music together and for the audience." Brigitta Sinton
" Thanks so much Mark, it was such a phenomenal show and great opportunity for the kids to have a go on stage. There's amazing talent in the group and it's a credit to you sharing yours. I was biting back tears most of the show, so so proud!! " x Kelly Fry
Mark you are AWESOME! Thanks for taking the time and effort to put on a great drum concert! Not just for the kids but also for putting the donations towards my charity! Malini! Thanks also to you! You're so amazing and great fun! I don't have everyone's contacts but please thank them for me!! Love you all!! Thanks!! Tash Easey
I would like to thank you for spending so much time putting the concert together. Natasha throughly enjoyed it and I was very impressed with the standard of all the students. Tania Young
As I'm sure the other parents of drummers say, it's not often that we get to see our kids perform in this way. We really enjoyed Sunday's concert - sorry we had to leave early...Those advanced grade drummers were particularly impressive and an inspiration to the younger ones coming through! Monika Miller
"The whole show was amazing and the talent of the drummers is a credit to you Mark" Kay Thurston
Thank you so very much for such an inspiring concert. It was wonderful to see the kids simply drum their little hearts out. You have some incredibly talented students - they just blew us away. A definite credit to your dedication, passion and gift as a teacher. The bond you share with each of them was very obvious to us - they are as lucky as you are. Thank you again for sharing the day with us and for giving Asha the chance to be a part of something so special. Anne Gin
