Arts Ties 2022
The Arts Tie is an acknowledgment of the dedication and talent of senior students representing our College in Arts-related areas. These students have made a significant contribution to one or more of the major Arts in the College: Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Debating, Public Speaking, Media, Creative Writing, or Cultural groups. Recipients have consistently performed at a high level in their fields of artistic endeavour within the school, over several years. Additionally, some recipients have achieved success that is recognised within the Auckland region and/or at a national or international level.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
James Portegys has participated extensively across a huge range of activities. He has been a member of the Kapa Haka, acts on stage, has won public speaking competitions and published poetry through his Instagram account. This foray into the new digital media space includes a student-driven Spotify podcast.
Sam Shaw has contributed significantly and excelled in numerous areas of the Arts at Sacred Heart since he was in Year 7. His rock band has been involved in STAND UP STAND OUT, Smokefree Rockquest, and through Play it Strange, has a single available on Spotify. At the College, he has performed at Legends, Walter Kirby, and Showcase. Sam is gaining quite the reputation as a songwriter.
Beno Shaw has been an outstanding Arts prefect this year. He has a history of throwing himself into every activity the school has to offer. He is the drummer in a rock band, acted in school productions, participated in public speaking competitions, written songs, debated, and been involved in creative writing.
Johnny Meyers has made a significant contribution to the Arts at the College in music and drama. As a trumpet player, he has been a part of Dunstan’s Band and competed at the KBB music festival. On the stage he acted in the ‘Caucasian Chalk Circle’, ‘Much ado about nothing’, ‘Midsummer Night's dream’ and ‘Julius Caesar’. He has also worked with the Baradene in their show ‘Legally Blonde’.
Kaea Luke has been an active member of the Kapa Haka group. He led the Tēina ropu as a junior and the Tuākana ropu as a senior. By the time he was the leader of the Tuākana ropu they were competing in Division 1 of the Poly Fest. Their excellence was honed by performances at Matariki nights, the Koroneihana celebrations and Tuheiti. He is proficient with the koikoi, patu and taiaha as well as poi.
Cassius Reynolds is another proud member of the Kapa Haka group. Like Kaea, he has been a ropu leader at different year levels and has been a part of the development that meant that the Tuākana ropu competed in Division 1 of the Poly Fest. Many hours of practice and performance produced excellence in multiple disciplines: koikoi, patu, taiaha and poi. Cassius’ point of difference was with kōrero, he prepared for the prestigious Korimako speech competitions, winning through to the final, which unfortunately was cancelled due to Covid.
Sam Cricton has been an active musician at SHC. He plays french horn for the Premier Concert Band and the Jazz Big Band. He has also been a part of the cast in numerous school productions and performed in musicals at public events.
Zion Shore has been a part of the successful Kapa Haka group since Year 7 and has been an active musician for as long. He has competed in Walter Kirby Competitions and has even MC’ed the event. Zion does a lot of work backstage helping other performers achieve their goals.
Hugh Houghton is the principal bassoon for the Premier Concert Band, a baritone in the SHC Senior Choir, a member of the Barbershop quartet and a Walter Kirby finalist in the open group section. All in all, a massive contribution to Music over his years at SHC.
Frederick Pereiera is a trombonist, guitarist, drummer and tuba player who has performed at school productions as well as a part of a reggae outfit that entertains customers at various venues around the city. He swaps between bands, he swaps instruments; drumming for the Brass Trio and then picking up the trombone for the Premiere Concert Band. Frederick also tries his hand at creative writing.
Matthew Curtis’ claim to fame is his performance on the big stage playing the lead in performances at the National Youth Theatre Company, the Selwyn Community theatre, and the Encore Theatre Collective. At the College, he has MC’ed the Walter Kirby Competition and acted in our productions. His lastest venture is the 48 Hour film festival.
Eduardo Mahoney plays the trumpet. He is the lead trumpet in the Premier Concert Band, the Jazz Combo. He has Walter Kirby and KBB Gold Awards wins under his belt. Eduardo acts on the stage and is a talented linguist who has participated in Spanish language speech competitions.
Joseph Bahoo has participated in a wide range of activities and groups associated with Music, Drama, Debating and Public Speaking. The highlights of his young career include Head Chorister in the Auckland Boys Choir and winning the Auckland Schools’ Debating Senior Open Competition. Somehow he finds time to play violin and piano as well.
Anthony Hawke's major contribution to the College has been behind the scenes as a technician. He has been the lighting engineer and sound mixer for Walter Kirby competitions, Showcase, the Matariki dinner, Fia Fia nights, and for the televised Shine TV mass. He has added stage manager to his extensive CV for productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Anthony was a member of the Senior Debate team which won the Auckland Champs. He is also an accomplished writer.
Lino Lino has won accolades for Public Speaking in the Pompallier shield team, as a chorist, and in Mandarin language competitions. He has gone on to perform Barbershop performances and numerous Walter Kirby competitions. He is a pianist and a percussionist of repute.
Theo Wheeler is a saxophonist. As such he has been a part of KBB Honours Concert Band, the Senior Jazz Combo, the Jazz Big Band, the Premier Concert Band, the Funk Band and the Secondary Schools Chamber Music Competition, Triage, Trio. You’ll hear him play at 1st XV games and in support of those on stage in Drama Productions.
Daniel Concepcion is a vocalist. He has won prizes at the Walter Kirby as a soloist and as a member of the Barbershop Quartet. He is a member of the Choir and Jazz Big Band. Off stage, Daniel supports other performers backstage and is an excellent author. He has submitted work for the Sargeson Prize and Barfoot and Thompson Young Authors Challenge. When Daniel has spare time, he takes part in Public Speaking.
Mr Jonny White joined the College staff in 2021 as Head of Music Department and has been a true asset. He has supported and nurtured the musical talents of our students in all their endeavours, giving up his time and expertise.
