Meet Roanna Funcke

Associate Principal Percussion

How did you first get started in music, and what drew you to percussion?

My older siblings were learning brass instruments at our primary school, so I followed along and picked up the cornet. This led us into brass bands, which I'm incredibly thankful for, for all the opportunities it provided. Percussion was something I was drawn to when watching an orchestral concert. The movement of the percussionists and the variety of instruments on stage was instantly appealing, so my parents found the Christchurch School of Music where I first started learning percussion, and I had a great teacher who really motivated me.

Can you share some musical influences and inspirations that have helped shape your career?

By far the main influences in my musical life have been my music teachers, who in turn inspired me to teach and continue the tradition of working with the next generation of percussionists. My cornet and percussion teachers gave me every opportunity to experience music from both my position in orchestras and bands, and as a soloist in front of these groups. Their belief in my abilities, and their energy in making opportunities to develop these skills have been invaluable to my development. I am so thankful for these people!

Can you tell us about some of your most memorable performances or musical experiences?

Some of my most memorable performance experiences have been in overseas tours with our National Band of NZ. Playing as a soloist with this band in a variety of concert venues and settings provided some of the most challenging but rewarding experiences. These experiences have helped develop my ability to cope better with feelings of performance pressure.

What do you find the most rewarding about performing in CSO?

Christchurch is my hometown, so to perform with our CSO and be part of our orchestral tradition is an honour and is so rewarding to me. I feel thankful for all the times I'm able to perform with the orchestra, and the strengths of my team up the back.

What are some unique challenges of playing percussion?

Developing and maintaining techniques and skills on so many instruments is a huge challenge. It is an ongoing goal to continue to develop skills on all the percussion instruments we are required to play, but the variety of instruments is also what makes percussion so appealing.

How do you prepare for a performance?

Being physically warm is a priority for me before a performance. With all the instruments on stage, I use a practice pad and sticks backstage to play on for a thorough warm up. Finding a quiet space before going on stage is also important to me.

Quickfire:

Favourite movie soundtrack?

My son has Star Wars on in our car a lot...

Best piece of advice you’ve received as a musician?

Not necessarily advice, but - 'team first' is a shared belief

What other instrument would you play if you couldn’t play percussion?

I would love to be able to sing really well!

Favourite food spot in Ōtautahi?

Not much of a foody - but anywhere with good Sushi

Last song/work you listened to?

Whatever was last on RNZ Concert in the car

Favourite genre outside of classical?

Any and all

Guilty pleasure food?

Heartland potato chips - ready salted

Favourite season?

Spring, because Summer is on the way

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Flying, definitely

Any pre-performance rituals or superstitions?

Not really. I feel best when I've been able to go for a run though...

If you could collab with any musician living or dead, who would it be?

Evelyn Glennie - she's amazing, and someone I've been so inspired by