College band a hit with everyone
By Pam Ferla
An accomplished band of young musicians from Auckland’s King’s College lifted the spirits and got toes tapping at Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club on the very wet afternoon of Monday, January 9.
Known as The Burtones, these adept musicians aged from 14 – 18 delighted in a fast-paced three-hour programme, with an eclectic mix sure to please the crowd of about 100.
With some sizzling guitar riffs, an impressive drum solo, slick keyboards and sharp timing in the brass, the musicians were a pleasure to hear, along with vocalists whose confidence and ability belied they age. Music across the eras ranged from moody jazz classics to Abba, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse and Fat Freddy’s Drop, building up to a finale showcasing the very best of all that young talent. It was clear the performers were also having a good time. The Expectation - a band of five within The Burtones, entertained with some original numbers during the programme.
A pile of CD’s was snapped up by the audience. (If you missed out, you can check out their five albums, which are on all streaming platforms, including Spotify.) Their wide range of music includes Pink Floyd and fans will be ‘blown away’ by their recording of Shine on You Crazy Diamond. The Burtones was created by King’s College teacher, Gary Burton, who says he loves working with such talented young musicians.
“They are a very tight group of friends across many year level groups, and everyone gets along really well. Sometimes their practise afternoons go on for four hours – and they love the feed of KFC they get at the end of it!” Gary added.
Formed 11 years ago, the band works in a cyclic way, with year 13’s leaving at the end of their annual summer tour and new younger members joining to fill their shoes. Mr Burton appreciates the support of the school’s head of music department, Emma Featherstone.The performance in Pauanui was part of The Burtones second Coromandel Summer Tour. Mr Burton said students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the amazing support they received on the Coromandel. There are plans for an international tour next year.
Caption: Pictured at Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club are some of the musicians in King’s College band, The Burtones. Photo: Creative Images by Paul Schrader.