Student band excited to hit right notes at annual carnival
A Timaru student band are jazzing up their busking routine with new songs, dancing, and a bit of banter when they open for the Caroline Bay Carnival.
Bring on the Chops – comprising drummer George Duncan, trumpeter Joshua Lovely, trombonist Isa Creba, and saxophonists Matthew Creba and Sarah Duncan – will follow Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen in kicking off the 110th annual carnival, which runs from Boxing Day to January 10.
‘‘We are so excited,’’ Lovely, 17, said. ‘‘The forecast looks horrible, but we’ll be bouncing around and just loving it.’’
The quintet originally signed up for the carnival’s talent quest, having come runner-up in last year’s intermediate section – but George Duncan, 17, said they were happy to pull out when they were offered a 45-minute concert slot at the opening, about three months ago.
‘‘We jumped on the opportunity,’’ George said.
‘‘Having this to build towards means we’ve had to play new songs and try different styles. It’s been intense, but it’s made us a better band.’’
Ramping up group practise from one hour a week to six, they had worked to blend dance moves and audience participation into their set of jazz, funk, swing, and pop music for the first time.
Joshua said the group had ‘‘so much more fun’’ playing music good enough to entertain crowds and get them grooving, and part of that was putting in ‘‘hours and hours’’ behind the scenes.
‘‘We’re hoping to get quite a few more opportunities from this, and will be taking anything offered with open arms. Any chance to play our music.’’
The band was formed about a year ago when its members, all part of the Mountainview High School jazz band, were asked by their teachers to put together a set for the 2019 junior and senior prizegivings.
They had since busked at Strathallan
Cr multiple times and played for farmers’ markets, birthday parties, and memorial services.
Sarah Duncan, 15, said they had been offered ‘‘some exciting opportunities and really appreciate the support’’.
George said while three of the band’s five members had just one year of high school left before heading to university, they hoped to keep the group going after that – even if it was simply busking together in the summer holidays.
‘‘We enjoy playing together so much, we’ll jump on whatever opportunities we get to do it.’’
Bring on the Chops’ concert at the Caroline Bay Soundshell begins at 2pm today.
Other bands playing throughout the 16-day carnival include South Canterbury’s Sons of Remo, The Soul Agency, and Tightazz.
The carnival also offers fairground rides, candy floss, games, and the crowning of the Holiday Queen.