bandstanding: music in the west with susannah bridges
Falling asleep listening to AC/DC’s Back in Black Percussionist, lighting operator, mixer, roadie be a bit stressful at times, we are given a lot and secret agent … Anton Bennett wears of responsibility to set up and look after the many hats. And at age 13, the year eight equipment.” pupil from Glen Eden Intermediate School Anton’s been learning how to record and has plenty of time to decide which suits him manipulate music using Garageband software best, something he’ll get to explore further and how to make podcasts as well. “We learn next year when he takes up the scholarship this in class – it’s pretty fun!” he’s been awarded at Henderson High. With these musical production endeavours For the time being though, it’s drumming successfully accomplished, along with his Trinity that’s taking the lead. “As a young child I was Grade Three drumming exams, Anton thought always tapping on everything – rhythms were he’d have a crack at applying for a music appealing to me.” Anton now plays drums scholarship. “I applied for a music scholarship in the GEIS Rock Band and the GEIS Concert for Henderson High and after I completed Band. “These are auditioned positions,” he their entrance examinations I was surprised to says “and I play drums in church as well.” receive an offer for a full academic scholarship.” Music has been pretty much a part of Between now and taking up his scholarship Anton’s upbringing since birth. “Dad used to Anton Bennett operating the sound desk for a next year, Anton is busy preparing for his Trinity play music all the time (he was a bass player) recent show. Grade Four exam, and playing in the APPA so there was music all around me. I’ve been told that when I was a (Auckland Primary Principals’ Association) Concert Band. “That will baby I would fall asleep listening to AC/DC’s Back in Black! My parents be a new experience. The APPA is an annual festival and I have been thought that they would take me to keyboard lessons to ease me accepted into the Concert Band as a percussionist. The band is for into music. I learnt keyboard for about five years before switching to accomplished players in years four to eight who want to develop their drums.” musicianship skills while working towards performing at the festival. As well as his drumming Anton is involved in many aspects of It involves a three-day intensive workshop at the end of term and sound and performing arts at GEIS. “During our recent production of evening performances held during November in the Auckland Town Hairspray jr I was the sole lighting operator for the production. It was Hall. In 2017 I got to play drums in the town hall for the APPA choir – really exciting to operate the lighting desk as this job is usually given with 400+ singers – that was quite something!” to an adult. I worked really hard to become familiar with the show so December will see Anton performing in the GEIS Concert Band at its I managed to keep the job, which was a twisted mix of fun and stress. annual Cushion Concert. I really had to concentrate; I definitely didn’t get the chance to just sit With his fingers in so many musical pies, what type of music does back and watch.” Anton like best? “I pride myself on being pretty versatile. I guess I Hot on the heels of this production role comes Anton’s current gig: “I prefer pop and rock but I have also been working on some Latin beats am working as a secret agent for our in-house TV show Cactus, where to change things up a bit.” Anton says it's hard to be a soloist on the the secret agents make videos for the show, prepare and run the daily drums but he does like to improvise when he gets a chance. show and teach others how to operate the equipment.” The Eagles, Pentatonix (“they are all a capella and very impressive”) Alongside these specialist positions Anton has ongoing involvement and Anton’s Dad have all been great inspirations musically, but Anton with the year eight rock band. “I do the sound mixing and I’m a bit of a is also into science and engineering – “specifically rocketry and NASA. roadie which means I get to set up and pack up the gear. I love setting This is an area I would like to explore in the future – becoming a up and packing up almost as much as practice and performance.” scientist might also hold some appeal.” Anton’s also in the GEIS sound and lighting crew. “We operate sound For more information about Glen Eden Intermediate School check out for all events, concerts, assemblies and fitness programmes. It can their website. http://www.geis.school.nz/
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The Fringe OCTOBER 2018
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