Banner Image
Banner Image
Banner Image
Banner Image
Banner Image
MEFA in Wellington is Aotearoa's premier national festival catering to all school ensembles of traditional, jazz/blues styles. We create a vibrant and educational environment where learning rather than just competition thrives. Fostering a genuine sense of community and social festivity in addition to our world-class concerts and mentorship, MEFA offers an unparalleled atmosphere for students to perform and develop valuable skills.

Highlights from 2024

In 2024, alongside our adjudicated performances, where each instrumental group received personalised mentoring, we achieved:

  • Over 50 workshops from members of the NZSO, Royal Airforce Band, NZ Army Band, Tutors from the NZSM, and some of Wellingtons top educators,  focusing on individual instruments, Junior conductors workshops, improvisation for enhancing various music skills
  • Presented three professional evening gala concerts with world-class performances
  • Hosted a showcase concert at Te Papa Sounds Theatre featuring out of town participants
  • Held several engaging lunchtime concerts featuring our student musicians.
  • Treated our attendees to mini concerts from mentors and professional groups
  • Facilitated combined festival bands and orchestral groups including a mass choral group
  • Successfully launched the 2024 Wellington All-Stars Youth Big Band
  • Organized off-site after-show jam sessions, bringing together mentors, teachers and students in a social atmosphere.
  • Held several Educator PD workshops, including conducting, developing itinerant programs

Most importantly, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it and have more instore for 2025!

MEFA is more than a competition; it's a platform for our students and teachers to engage, develop, perform, learn, and most importantly, have an unforgettable time! 


Banner Image

Testimonials

Banner Image

Mentors & Adjudicators

Banner Image
Banner Image

Our Team

Banner Image

Supporters