Dilworth Head of Performing Arts, Mr David Stent, has been recognised for excellence on the national stage, receiving an Independent Schools New Zealand (ISNZ) Honours Award for his service to the Performing Arts at the ISNZ Awards Dinner on Friday, 12 September.
David Stent was cited for his visionary leadership, boundless energy, and profound commitment to performing arts education, both at Dilworth and across the wider New Zealand performing arts community
"David’s contribution to Dilworth has been outstanding. Drama, music, and choral arts have all gone from strength to strength thanks to his vision, leadership, and sheer dedication."
Taking Performing Arts to the next level at Dilworth
Since taking the reins as Head of Performing Arts in 2017, David, a Dilworth Old Boy, has taken Dilworth’s programme to new heights. His strategic approach, creativity and relentless work ethic have transformed the creative landscape for Dilworth students across music, drama, and choral performance.
There have been so many major achievements under his leadership, to name a few:
Building Dilworth’s Premier Musical Ensembles, including the newly formed Symphony Orchestra and our vibrant emerging barbershop quartets, and taking our Premier Choir, Fortissimo, to new heights, including winning a third gold award in a row at this year's Big Sing Finale.
Academic & Artistic Excellence: Guiding students to top-tier academic results in music and drama while continuously raising the performance standard each year.
Supporting students and staff: Blending a ‘high expectations’ culture with empathy, warmth, and humour. Ensuring every student discovers their unique creative potential and that his team is empowered to excel and lead.
Championing the Regional Music Scene
David’s impact extends well beyond Dilworth. He plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s broader music ‘ecosystem’ through his service on the governance committee of the Auckland Secondary Schools Music Festival Trust, which oversees the prestigious KBB Music Festival.
Through his role in the sector, he also helps shape the future of youth music performance more broadly, providing young musicians across the Auckland region with platforms to showcase their talents.
He will also help with anything. In his citation, Andrew Chamberlain, Senior Product Manager, Webb Enterprises Ltd, commended David for his all-round involvement in the KBB Festival:
“David is hands-on, coming the week of the festival, assisting each year with the pack-in and set up on the Sunday before, the pack-down after the Gala concerts. On top of the responsibilities he has for the various Dilworth groups that enter each year at the KBB Music Festival, he also makes himself available to work in the festival to make it a memorable event for the participants involved each year”
Huge congratulations to our Head of Performing Arts, Mr David Stent, on an award that is so well deserved.