Stairway to Heaven - StAC Prizegiving Finale 2023

Here is the finale item from the 2023 Prizegiving at the Wolfbrook Arena. This item has been great bringing together the school orchestra, senior choir and rock musicians for an epic ending to our Prizegiving.
Featuring Grace Burnett on vocals, Mia Fraser on lead guitar and James McIver on rhythm guitar. Conducted by Mark Hodgkinson with concertmaster Sea-am Thompson.
Thanks to Duncan Ferguson for the audio mix and Paul Sparkes for the video editing. Special mention to Sean from The Light Site for the lighting design.
If you'd like to hear a version with an improved audio mix you can see it here: • Stairway to Heaven Pri...

[@ianmilstead]

They all did this song justice, which is no mean feat. But I especially loved it when one of the guitarists slowly steps up to center stage, kicks it to the bridge pickup, and then dives into a blistering version of one of the most iconic solos of all time. She then calmly falls back as if nothing has happened, to let the singer and rythim guitarists reclaim the center stage. Alll very professional, talented and egoless. A job well done by all.

[@stacmusicdept]

Great comment, thanks for this. Yes, the kids are great and the good of the group (or the 'ensemble' as we call them in our shows) always comes first. There is no room for ego or 'prima donnas'.

[@macpablo1169]

They nailed it. Brilliant!

[@user-se5tz1cf2h]

Absolutely. Well summarised. I still replay it (full volume) quite often ... If a bunch of students can deliver this, there's hope! ...

[@numericalbrass]

They did this in one take. No lip syncing no auto tuning. I was lucky enough to be there to get the full impact. It was amazing.

[@roastedkiwi8394]

Bullshit!! So you saying there was no practice or planning??

[@leebillington1909]

It was incredible! I would love to have been there.

[@ellenmay88]

Gives you goose bumps watching this, it must have been incredible seeing it live

[@brucemckay6615]

Also known by that ancient term… live performance….

[@gordonatenepakikawau3921]

Absolutely brilliant singer guitarists the whole lot incredible

[@Willnzl]

I am a 70 year old git who grew up with Zeppelin. Have heard so many covers of it over the years made by professional musicians. This group of "amateurs" produced a cover that is heads and shoulders above all those other covers, made all the more extraordinary by the sheer number of them all working in perfect harmony. Brought shivers to my spine.... have added their cover to my vast collection of Zeppelin which I listen to on a daily basis. WELL DONE!!!!

[@alanshapiro8177]

Agreed! Try listening to “Heart” covering “ Stairway” at Kennedy Center Honors…the orchestration is also brilliant.

[@leebillington1909]

@@alanshapiro8177 Hearts version is fabulous!

[@stuchristie]

Almost everyone is too frightened to do stairway to heaven because no one wants to compete against the original. But St Andrew’s didn’t hold back, and they have smashed it out of the park. This performance is equivalent to that produced for President Obama at the Kennedy Centre a few years ago. But this time produced by a single school in the middle of Aotearoa NZ with a population 60X smaller. Now that’s concentrated talent. And every single person involved in the production should feel super-proud for their contribution. Without them, that full-on sound would not have been accomplished. Good job - totally world class.

[@falconer100]

It was.not the equivalent. It was streets ahead. The guitar solo by Heart was pathetic in comparison to St Andrews. Every word sung was clear. An awesome production. Thanks for the vibes St Andrew's. Awesome.

[@rusty7720]

I thought New Zealand was New Zealand.

[@susancarruthers6536]

Kudos to the music teachers, choreographer, the students and everyone involved

[@jasonsaggers6383]

I'm so proud to a new Zealander😊😊

[@mudhamartin1162]

It's just a school production, bro 😂

[@razzutal]

Was wondering how the solo would go but Mia Fraser as lead guitarist stepped up and nailed it. Respect.

[@user-wt2gl4gb8f]

She was absolutely amazing. Blew me away!!!

[@jbm8444]

She sure did, it sounded like the original.

[@rickjohnson2165]

I had the same concern, but she was amazing. Loved her stance when she was playing. Looked really authentic

[@user-pe9de3gz1x]

She adjusted the volume and went to work.

[@jeekay231]

With tears in an old rock fans eyes wow

[@brittstewart9873]

That guitar solo was 🔥🔥🔥

[@wh3747]

That girl was frickin amazing!

[@rebeccawood331]

Brought me to tears, to see the next generation bringing a song that defined my generation to life is simply priceless!! Top marks!!! 😍

[@2_thumbs_up_baby]

That girls guitar solo. Fantastic. Wow Bravo to everyone 👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@dandy2365]

How proud would you be if you were a parent of one of these extremely talented young people? I watched this in awe, with a tear in my eye. Congratulations to everybody involved in this magnificent performance.

[@rebeccaslack1433]

That is incredible. The guitar solo is phenomenal. Out of this world. The director of music at the school deserves a huge pat on the back for taking on, and pulling off that superb performance.

[@user-vw7fj9mq6q]

Unbelievable. 69 year old male. Brought tears to my eyes . These are a talented bunch of young New Zealanders. Makes me proud to be a kiwi❤ well done to everyone that made this such a beautiful performance

[@Jimmy-ns4on]

I watched this in awe, bought to tears actually, and didn't realise it was in NZ, Aotearoa, until I was reading the comments! I'm 69 and completly blown away by these kids. Gives me hope for our future to be honest.

[@user-se5tz1cf2h]

Six months later, I still play this probably once a week ... It is so impressive. A well-tutored group of students practised their part and they came together just a few days before this single once-only performance. Stairway's place in musical history is guaranteed by this awesome performance. I was 18 when it was written ... and to hear it in this context is amazing. Massive respect all round.

[@johnpyle2509]

I'm watching this in Phoenix Arizona just in awe. The performances are outstanding. Not a single student has mailed it in. The music directors should be proud, as should every participant and their families.

[@godders7964]

A fabulous rendition of my all-time favourite music. As an old-timer it makes me feel optimistic about life when we hear and see such talent in those youthful performers.

[@olderone]

Totally agree - well said young Man!!

[@janeburgess50]

Congratulations! Outstanding performance ❤ I’m 67 years old and I have heard a few good covers of this iconic song, this is one of the best ones 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🙌🙌

[@lovesallweneed]

Zeppelin would be proud of this rendition. Bravo to all band members. Young lady's voice is just beautiful. Your parents must be proud of you. Kudos to you all.

[@maryhjort7318]

Nailed it! I’m another person who came up back in the day when we were listening to this kind of incredible music every day. What amazing times they were. This song is an all time favorite, and as someone else has written here, ai’ve heard many, many other artists attempt to bring us this musical extravaganza. These kids have managed to capture the energy and the essence of this piece of music. They managed to really take me back to those days of glory when music like this arose out of the ethers. Many thanks! I hope Led Zeppelin gets to hear this.

[@user-se5tz1cf2h]

As it approached, I wondered how the guitar solo would go .... Needn't have worried. As with everything else, nailed it. Massive respect to all involved.

[@privateperson5769]

She rocked it on that guitar omg !! Chills

[@user-qn1qw9vw3m]

Oh my gosh, got goosebumps in the guitar solo! Very very well done to you all.

[@rlrudedog]

This is a very, very good version of them putting this together on this song. The musicians sounded wonderful. The chorus sounded right on and lovely. The singer version sounded great with all getting the song without, I could tell, no problems on the notes and breaks. This was top notched and sounded right up there among the top performers. I had wish I could have been there to see them live.

[@julietbuckler]

Wow. Absolutely amazing. The emphasis on the arts in Christchurch schools is something very special.

[@bayrockwhk]

Just brilliant! This song was released 30-40 years before these kids were born...they've nailed it! Well done everyone!

[@joshuaroewen4003]

Try a smidge over 50 years!

[@nigelwright9769]

To be fair, probably before their parents were born omg

[@colinjones3349]

This was actually released in 1971 , most of the kids parents probably weren't even born yet. Which makes it even more remarkable

[@khanpaniora5346]

led zeppelin rock band sing this song

[@17Slugger]

@@joshuaroewen4003 the song was not released 50 years before these kids were born

[@belomolnar2128]

Her beautifull voice is completely matching to all strings and players and singers in the orchestra. Great Great Great. ❤❤❤❤. Thanks a lot to the Director. And All. And Alllllllllll.

[@2fast4ua]

WOW, what an outstanding version, awesome effort St A’s The real deal School Of Rock right there. Thanks for sharing, really enjoyed that 👍🏻 😎

[@raschella1945]

I'm a such a big fan of rock and our young generations appreciating songs like this. Talented girls and boys, sooooo proud of yous New Zealand. Well done!!!

[@moggy9331]

What an outstanding performance, congratulations to the staff that produced the performance and prepared the students but especially to the soloists, musicians and choristers who had the ability and confidence to present such a legendary piece of music.

[@Jimmy.meyer.76]

You know it’s good when it gives you goosebumps . Mission accomplished.

[@MICHAEL_j13]

The cohesion of all the people working together not missing a note is really impressive.that girl nailed that solo too

[@hayden_jones]

This gave me chills. You should all be very proud of that performance 👏

[@mrneal9079]

Hayden Jones from tv?

[@rdp3holm]

So cool they're teaching the classics to the next generation - fantastic job guys :)

[@kenmackenzie3747]

64 years old and I am choked.

[@ER-oo6vs]

fantastic performance🎉🎉🎉 that guitar solo - WOW!!!

[@Sneeky_Snake]

This sounded amazing being there imperson

[@melrissman328]

Such an amazing performance, you should be all very proud what an epic way to finish Prize Giving.

[@averilcooper913]

Wow great performance from all these great young musicians as a newzealander I feel very proud 🎉

[@temotu518]

This bought back memories of Led Zepplin live Western Springs 1972........this rendition is simply magnificent !

[@2_thumbs_up_baby]

That would have been fantastic being there. I was too young but very envious. You still have yr ticket?

[@grandadneal8114]

Definitely good enough to make Robert Plant cry as he did with the Heart Version which this is based on. Well sung, awesome guitar solo. Good drumming....well done all of you. Don't forget the adults who organised it all...

[@75jimboobs]

Yes that is one of my favourite versions I love the heart versions. And this is just as beautiful brilliant!,

[@lauramildon-clews7850]

I have played a guitar for over fifty years, I know this tune extremely well. I have heard this on stage from one of Led Zeppelins concerts. All I can say is that this is absolutely amazing and outstanding, thank you for your extraordinary talent ❤️

[@erinkirk3182]

This is unreal . Talented kids

[@mikeaddison-saipe3439]

OMG! Brilliant. I can only imagine the pride amongst the families in attendance. I would love to know if any of these amazing youngsters carry on with music over their lives. So So Well Done.

[@WarrenManuel-zh6lr]

Acknowledgement to these "Young Leaders!!" for taking the "Steps to Heaven and the Teacher(s) that allowed this process to occur quite OUSTANDING in every sense of the word, connection and music collaboration. One of the "greatest songs" in the HISTORY of Music AND 3.24 the "Lead Guitarist...Mia Fraser...humbly, simply, riffs, perfection....like being at a "Led Zeppelin concert". Every one of you Grace, Mia, James, Mark, Choir....everyone!!!, Magical....Kia ora, Nga mihi THANK YOU on behalf of ALL Led Zep "lovers" - Indeed "Stairway to Heaven and what a place to be...

[@davidnevin5515]

Singer was able to get into the Soul of the song. Brilliant.

[@snowgorilla9789]

As an old Zep fan from Canada, Damn I wish I could have been there ! Just EXCELLENT you all should be proud Nailed It

[@lesleygamlen1943]

Brought tears to my eyes.❤

[@stuartdoran7626]

Absolutely Outstanding cover of an all time classic and great song

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

So impressive. I had goosebumps watching it. To gather 100 musicians from the school just outstanding. Well done!

[@ahchbrabyn2830]

Y'all are awesome. Equally proud of the young lady that stepped forward to play the lead guitaring. Eye contact the lead vocal, tight lipped entry to the front, and nailed it. That's exactly how a lead guitarist slides into a great rock legend of a song! With ATTITUDE 👊🏽 Keep it up 🎸🎸 and you'll go a long long way 😎👍

[@Musiklife.9049]

As a huge Led Zep fan back in the day (one of the best live performers), this had me in tears! Well done!

[@Brian-pu8we]

73 and it made me cry for my youth.

[@johnbethell1952]

That is one of my favourite songs, and this is going into my favourites. Well done St Andrews College

[@user-ql3jy9sk5c]

Just absolutely amazing. Grace Burnett was fantastic, but that guitar solo, oh man!!!!

[@myname1234ist]

I would describe this performance like this..."The BEST cover of the BEST rock & roll song EVER!" A 70 strong band of amateurs who put together under some great tutelage one of the best one-off live performances of all time...and not only did it as cool as cucumbers but looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves or immersed in their efforts. Fantastic!

[@marcelcalitz9003]

Led Zeppelin would be very impressed and I hope they get to see and hear this performed…good job from all of the performers…don’t stop now…good luck 👍👍

[@deborahdinglemouse7707]

WOW!! Incredible- very powerful Keep going with your talent you gifted people.

[@ollie2034]

Just watched this again for the third time. Just amazing ❤

[@user-ip1kk7wq3i]

Such an incedible performance!! Several of the students were amazing and could become professional musicians. What a great advertisement for the school and it's music dept.

[@user-rp5lz8xc6d]

Love it I stood up clapping I forgot I was at work watching it. 😎🤙

[@jgoncalves6203]

I heard heard Heart's cover from the Kennedy Center honors on the Howard Strean Show recently, which reminded me to go back and listen to this one. This is so much better, including the guitar solo. Kudos!

[@jbm8444]

Stern

[@ianmeganwhittington7635]

Agree absolutely.

[@CPphotolife]

Wow, what a performance of one of the greatest songs ever produced. You should all be super proud!

[@jbm8444]

I have listened to this about 10 times , it is a stunning version of the greatest song of all time,

[@grantwilson5420]

That is amazing. Well done. Something to be proud of for the rest of their lives

[@skunkpirates]

StACway to Heaven

[@nigelsleeman5331]

Since finding this on KZbin it has been regularly listen too. Thankyou for this wonderful rendition. You did the band proud ❤

[@remoman]

Great work Grace, fantastic.

[@CoversByGL]

Excellent job, I bet they'll remember this forever!❤️

[@robertrohler3644]

Well done all of you. The more I listen the more I wanted to hear. Wow many thank you's to everyone.Cheers

[@beverleyjack1873]

So proud of St Andrews, amazing school. Well done

[@mattdoherty753]

OMG, I nearly cried.... Bloody awesome, love from Australia.......

[@angelaknowles569]

beautiful, supremely talented young people. Thank you

[@hellojohngotanewmotor1188]

Outstanding. I hope it's the start of a musical adventure exploring 70's and 80's rock.

[@wayneritchie3801]

Epic thank you ❤❤my favourite song.

[@stuartfastrider1]

That was excellent - congratulations Duncan, Mark et al. Great stuff :)

[@willmontgomery3706]

Wowww that was so cool! Amazing performance by talented students and a great school.

[@leebillington1909]

I have watched this so many times. Gets me each and every time! So proud of this NZ school.

[@user-Haddy-NZ]

Me too

[@v1rotait23]

Amazing! - Well done to the whole StAC music department, video and lighting production teams and everyone involved to pull off this classic. I bet the older teachers from my era, were taken back to their younger days, way back in the 70s and 80s, to reminisce of this Led Zep classic in its hey-day. A superbly executed rendition and arrangement to a rock classic. Congratulations to you all! I'm a bit sad my son left this amazing school a few years back, so I don't now experience the productions and shows that this amazing place of gifted teachers and students regularily produce! - Go StAC! 💙🤍

[@TonyWho0]

Absolutely amazing!! Great job by everyone involved!

[@peterdavis4157]

Outstanding. The spirit is definitely alive.

[@grahamorphan6938]

OMG....this is an astonishing performance, utterly brilliant. I simply do not have the words to convey how impressed I am with this magnificent rendition of the world's greatest and some would say, most challenging to perform popular song. Bravo, bravo!!!

[@rickjohnson2165]

I was blown away by the singer - and then they hit me with the guitar solo. Amazing

[@nancee6450]

Talent! Love it when these younger kids realize “my generation “ of music rocks! Even now, my grandkids say you had the best music in your day. I smile and say yes .

[@thomasmroczka1412]

Wow I was moved. Zep is my favorite and all of you did them proud. Thanks to whoever recorded this. So awesome to see the younger generation show such passion for the greatest song ever made.

[@tonycross6674]

Excellent performance by everyone involved, absolutely loved the sheer number of people producing a truly brilliant live rendition of an iconic song..well done to everyone involved in bringing this into our lives. These young people have proven the future of music is safe ❤

[@bubba2229]

64 years old, and WOW! Really brings back memories! Well done, children!

[@CubeX_Containers]

Wow. Just wow. I've watched this an easy 15 times and every time it gives me goose bumps. Well done to all of you.

[@JohanHugo]

New Joni Mitchell, the look and the voice. beautiful 👍

[@EnricoHoover]

This is just...... Fabulous. Thank you for the great pleasure you have given me.

[@grahamlister5378]

Wonderful rendition of a classic

[@russellacosta7166]

I’ll watch this a hundred times 😊❤

[@oggpogg32]

Unreal! Well done guys you smashed it!

[@scottcarter1385]

Simply brilliant; classy and so faithful to the original. 🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿

[@popatyourecords]

Best cover ive heard of this song very well done cheers

[@timothyjamesbiggsbiggs4852]

That is the New Zealand i believe in!!

[@Shannon-lt5xs]

What an absolutely amazing performance. Respect from California!

[@fredjashar9586]

The patents of every one of those students should be so proud of them. These kids restore my faith in the future of humanity is in good hands.

[@helstonoldboy]

I must be going soft .. Every time I watch this it brings a tear to my eye. Especially when the guitar solo starts.

[@MrJohnreader]

WOW Just WOW amazing!! have watched it a few times

[@chrisstaylor8377]

Amazing lead

[@debgapes4654]

Magnificant, shout out to all involved