Musicians band together

Music was a lightning bolt that struck unsuspecting Harry Huggins early last year.

Harry Huggins.

“I didn’t want to take piano lessons, but my mum talked me into it,” he said. “And I’m so glad that happened, because it’s the greatest and biggest thing that’s ever happened to me in my life.”

Now, Harry is fizzing with anticipation about playing his second live public show.

He and 11 other Cambridge Middle School musicians are set to showcase their talents at the Good Union on Sunday (November 3).

Music teacher Sacha Reichardt organised the event to give members of the school’s two bands, Chopsticks and Shine, “a taste of what it’s really going to be like in the music world”.

“It gives them a starting point, and something under their belt for future auditions,” she said.

Sacha will play a set with guitarist Lance Knight after her students perform.

Chopsticks and Shine members have mixed into five new bands for the day, and 13-year-old Ava Bell, who won top Waikato vocalist at Bandquest 2023, will sing a solo.

Harry will team up with Shine vocalist Chloe Kim to perform Adele’s ‘Easy On Me’.

“I was originally going to do chords, but I taught myself the entire song by watching videos and just working out the patterns,” he said.

He will also play ‘Believer’ by Imagine Dragons with four other Chopsticks members.

He sees the gig as a great way to get himself and the bands “out there”.

Cambridge Middle School musical maestros (front row, from left) Tessa Ramsay, Jessie Hill, Leo Smith, Lia Whyte, Flynn Montgomerie and Archie Turner Lines (and back row, from left) Maysa Dawson, Ava Bell, Chloe Kim, Harry Huggins, teacher Sacha Reichardt, Lottie Wilson and Sakura Van Der Maazen are amped about their live gig this Sunday. Photo: Steph Bell-Jenkins.

More Recent News

LGNZ goes eight down

STOP PRESS Waipa wins the Super Engaged – Tū Hononga Award for ‘Ahu Ake, Waipā Community Spatial Plan’. Ahu Ake is Waipā District Council’s bold, 30+ year vision shaped hand-in-hand with mana whenua and the…

Project has old school ties

A new film centred on Hamilton’s Fairfield College has deep connections spanning the Waikato, Waipā and King Country. Telling the story of Fairfield College, ‘Kukutaaruhe – Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho’ – treasures of the past…

Val was an RSA trailblazer

Talk to anyone about Val Brett and you’ll find she was known as particularly diligent and organised, an irrepressibly ‘no-nonsense’ contributor to her community. What is probably less known is the fact that Val, who…

School bands star in Sydney

Cambridge High School’s Concert Band and Jazz Band have returned from the Australian International Music Festival in Sydney with outstanding results. The Concert Band received a Silver Award, while the Jazz Band earned a prestigious…