A recent music event gave students the space to blow their own trumpet.
A combined orchestra event was held at Roncalli College last Wednesday.
About 90 secondary school students arrived for the day from as far afield as Oamaru to collaborate.
The event also involved Timaru School of Music students, some of whom were home-schooled.
Timaru School of Music director Tim Bower said while students had the chance to participate in sports days at school, this was a day for the more musically-minded students.
Mr Bower said there was a ‘‘social element’’ to the day.
He said a lot of the children might know each other from other things — like sports and seeing each other there they might be surprised to find out they played an instrument, too.
He said the students were interested to know who else shared their hobby, as playing music — especially further out in the regions — could seem lonely at times.
While many Kiwi students were given the opportunity to shred on stage with guitars and basses, but those who had mastered the more traditional orchestral instruments were not as often given their chance to shine.
‘‘Some have been working for this since the start of the year.’’
The day started with a big group rehearsal, which worked as their first full rehearsal together.
Then the students were divided into groups and practised. He said students who had played longer still got something out of the day, as they could help others. ‘‘It isn’t a competition, it is a collaboration.’’
