Macleans College strikes gold at KBB Music Festival
Posted on September 04, 2025
Macleans College was proudly represented by five instrumental groups at the annual KBB Music Festival, held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.
The week-long event featured four categories of performance: Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band. The top ensembles in each category were invited to perform at one of two Gala Concerts, which concluded the week.
The Macleans College Symphony Orchestra received an invitation to perform at the final Gala Concert with the Concert Band very narrowly missing out, being the reserve band for the first Gala.
Individual talent also shone through. Deputy Head Boy Daniel Hulley (Batten House) was awarded Best Soloist in the Concert Band category for his tuba performance. He also made his KBB conducting debut, leading the Symphonic Band.
The Concert Band impressed audiences with its strong, dynamic sound. Their programme featured a collaboration with the male voices of the Macleans College Chorale in Peter Meechan’s Zenith.
The Symphony Orchestra was joined by the full Macleans College Chorale in a performance of Hans Zimmer’s Lion King Orchestral Suite, which delighted the audience.
Sinfonietta, led by Mrs Johnston, achieved a silver award - their highest result to date. This marks a milestone for the training Symphony Orchestra and reflects their growth and progress.
Festival results:
- Symphony Orchestra – gold (plus Gala invite)
- Concert Band – gold (plus Gala reserve)
- Chamber Orchestra – silver
- Sinfonietta – silver
- Symphonic Band – bronze
- Daniel Hulley – Best Soloist in Concert Band category
Symphony Orchestra performing at the Gala
Concert Band - Apollo: Myth and Legend
Concert Band - Beelzebub with tuba soloist Daniel Hulley
Concert Band - Pie in the Face with clarinet soloists Michael Shen and Selina Wang
Concert Band - Zenith
