​‘Almost’ Legally Blonde

The Legally Blonde cast

Although Avondale College’s production of Legally Blonde was unable to go ahead as planned this year, the talented cast were able to perform three songs from the musical to their year level assemblies.

This was a spectacular showcase of the performing arts and a tribute to all the hard work and many, many hours of rehearsals that have taken place over recent months.

Accolades are deserved by each one of the nearly one hundred students involved in the cast, band and behind the scenes, and to all the dedicated staff, notably Director Mrs Erica Norton, Choreographer Ms Santana Schmidt, Musical Director Dr Julie Garner and Vocal Coach Toni Randle.

The production was not the only casualty of the capricious timing of COVID-19; the school ball was cancelled, as were the 75th Anniversary celebrations and the Senior Report evening, and the winter sports tournaments have been cut short.

Principal Mrs Lyndy Watkinson, while disappointed that so many plans have been thwarted this year, is immensely proud of the way Avondale College students have pushed through what has been a very challenging year. “I want to acknowledge the students for their ongoing positivity in school, and for their willingness to make the very most of the activities and events that we are still able to run”, she says.

Recent highlights ​

The Blue Note Combo: Lucas Kewell (Piano), Anna Neumann (Tenor Sax), Moi Oki (Baritone Sax), Francis Whall (Bass)

Fortunately, the timing was favourable for the school’s 2020 Jazz & Soul concert in early August, resulting in a fabulous night of music including items from the Jazz Academy, the Dale Soul band, the Avondale College Stage Band, Big Band, Gospel Choir and several jazz combos.

It was clear that much hard work had been taking place throughout the year. For many students this was the first real opportunity to perform this year, given the cancellations of the Tauranga Jazz Festival, Auckland Schools Jazz Festival, and the KBB Music Festival. The performances can be seen on the school’s Vimeo page: https://vimeo.com/avcol.

Tamanna Srivastava

Another highlight was Y13 music student Tamanna Srivastava named as a finalist in the nationwide Play It Strange song writing competition.
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Tamanna's original song, Before I'm Wide Awake, caught the attention of the judges, earning her not only the kudos and a Rock Shop prize voucher, but also a professional recording studio session valued at $1000, and a place in the 'Play it Strange' 2020 album. That’s an outstanding achievement for a young artist!