But to see about 500 pupils from secondary schools across the region performing in the Dunedin Town Hall last night for the 44th annual festival, you would not know it.
The stage and screen-themed concert featured music from film and stage shows, including Les Miserables, Verdi's Chorus of the Jewish Slaves and Bizet's Carmen, and was performed by pupils in orchestras, choirs, chamber orchestras and jazz and rock bands.
One of the event's organisers, Kaikorai Valley College head of music Kathy Thompson, said it was getting harder to get pupils involved in the festival because they were increasingly busy with practice exams, constant assessments and other sporting and cultural commitments.
At this time of year, many senior secondary school pupils focused their attention on study as school practice exams were under way and NCEA exams loomed.
''It's taking a toll on events like this. It just makes it harder and harder to get all schools involved.''
Mrs Thompson said there were no easy solutions to the problem.
The hard work would continue because the annual event was an excellent showcase of musical talent in the region, she said.
