Young musicians show their skills

AN ARRAY of piano styles will be heard from St Pauls Union Church on Saturday.

Eighty keyboardists and piano players will come from Tokoroa, Tongariro, Taupo and Turangi to compete in the New Zealand Modern School of Music competition.

Tutor Sandra Drysdale said many of the school- aged budding musicians would compete in various categories between 9am to 5pm.

‘‘ They will be competing for trophies and medals in modern, classical, boogie woogie, latin, medley and duet categories.’’

‘‘ We have three judges coming from Auckland and one from Te Kauwhata,’’ she said.

The concert was a chance for the young musicians to strut their stuff on the keys.

‘‘By performing in front of others, these young musicians will gain confidence in their abilities,’’ Drysdale said.

‘‘Many of them play at our competition when they are six or seven years old, but they keep coming back to compete for the higher trophies until they are 18.’’

Joanna Thorburn will be returning for her ninth competition.

The Taupo- Nui- a- Tia year 13 student had previously won medals in the modern and contemporary categories. This Saturday she will be playing eight pieces, and contesting the ‘‘own choice’’ category with a Latin American piece – her favourite style because of the lively rhythm.

Tickets, sold at St Pauls Union Church on Tamamutu St on Saturday, will be $5 for adults and free for school-aged students.