Representatives from Long Bay College’s rugby teams Dene Vosloo and Couper Jones were among students from a select few secondary schools to attend the ASB Young Leaders Rugby Experience at Eden Park recently.
The students were given the opportunity to tour the stadium and learn about its history. In addition, they watched the All Blacks train and learned a lot about how an elite rugby team functions. “I was able to take a lot away from this and apply it to my training”, says Couper. Dene agrees, saying: “It was an amazing experience. I was grateful to be a part of it.”
Long Bay College Boys 1st XV train with French Barbarians
It came as a big surprise to the Long Bay College Boys 1st XV Rugby team last month when it was announced they would be taking part in a training session at Albany’s QBE stadium with the French Barbarian touring team. “I was stunned,” says team captain, Couper Jones. The boys completed a warm-up, ball-handling and tackling drills with the French team and witnessed how an international touring team trains. “We knew we needed to show them we were worthy and we just switched on right away,” Couper said of his team’s effort during the session. The French Barbarians welcomed the Long Bay College team onto their touring bus and returned the team to school. The two teams posed for photos by the Peyo Crus memorial tree, planted in remembrance of a French student who attended the College. “It was definitely an inspirational experience,” Couper said.
Voxette choir wins gala award
Long Bay College’s premiere choir, Voxette won one of the three Auckland Big Sing gala concert awards for their performance at the Auckland Town Hall last month. Their stage presence and performance delighted, impressed and captivated the audience. The choir was presented with the Margery Charlton Memorial trophy and the audience acknowledged the group with an impromptu standing ovation. In addition, the choir received a commended award for their performance in the Big Sing regional competition. Long Bay College Head of Music, Mr Hadley Ronayne says he is delighted with the success of Voxette, an auditioned choir he launched seven years ago alongside the school’s two other choirs.
Gifted artists release singles
Tayla Alexander in Year 13 and James Thorrington in Year 12 have recently produced singles showcasing their unique styles and sounds.
Tayla, who trains with the Auckland Opera Studio, has created a stunning re-make of the song made famous by Kate Bush in 1978, Wuthering Heights. “I've been captivated and engaged in Kate Bush’s songs since a very young age,” she says. Accompanying Tayla is talented part-time concert pianist and Long Bay College Head of Music, Hadley Ronayne. The collaboration has been extremely successful with the single receiving international interest. Tayla is currently working on her second album.
James’s debut single ‘Mystery Caller’ was inspired by his strong interest in films and soundtracks. In Mystery Caller, he has partnered with Long Bay College student, musician and friend, Nick Lehtola who features on bass. James enjoys writing music and is also working on an album. He says: “There is something extremely unique about hearing something that you like, or creating something new that is nice to listen to, knowing it is yours.”
