Laughton Pattrick Photo: SOUNZ
We received news earlier this week that Laughton Pattrick – Wellington singing teacher, arranger and composer had passed away.
Laughton taught at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School for decades and before that was Head of Music at Wellington College of Education, where he taught generations of NZ music teachers.
During his time at the drama school he gave many of our actors the confidence to sing “me he korokoro tui” – like the throat of a tui.
Actor and director Lyndee-Jane Rutherford was a former student of Laughton’s at Toi Whakaari who went on to become a close friend of the iconic singing teacher and his wife, writer Jenny Pattrick.
Cynthia Morahan spoke with Lyndee-Jane about Laughton's gift for being one of those teachers who really taught his students to believe in themselves. The many heartfelt comments on the Facebook page Lyndee-Jane set up is testament to the lasting power of a great teacher who impacted so many lives in a positive way.
Laughton Pattrick's funeral is at 2pm on Sunday 13 September. It's a private service, but will be live streamed: a link will be available at tributes.co.nz
