AUCKLAND MUSIC TEACHERS RECEIVE MORALE BOOST

In an effort to boost teacher morale, X Factor host Dominic Bowden partnered with the Aotea Youth Symphony to celebrate Auckland’s Most Noteworthy Music Teacher.

Nearly 1000 students voted in an Aotea Youth Symphony-led competition for their favourite teacher with Mrs Ronnie Karadjov of Marist College claiming the inaugural award.  

Mrs Karadjov is thrilled that the Aotea Youth Symphony has recognised her work. 

“Sometimes I ask myself – does it have to be this hard? And then I catch that sparkle in my students’ eyes. Then I know it is worth the effort, because what we do leaves a trace. What we do is in fact noteworthy.”

Bowden, who played the clarinet in the Aotea Youth Symphony, says that he owes a lot to the symphony and his former music teachers.   

“My music teacher and the Aotea Youth Symphony really shaped my career. I’m sure that anyone who has a kid who enjoys music knows how important it is to have people to encourage them.”

Mrs Karadjov received prizes valued at over $1000  sponsored by KBB Music and the Lewis Eady Charitable Trust. 

Aotea Youth Symphony was formed in 1986 and has been conducted by Paul Harrop since its inception. It has about 65 members from the ages of 12 to early 20s and is always searching for new talent from players at Grade 5.