2026 MFA Interns
Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) in Orchestral Studies
Althea James Flute
Born in Christchurch, Althea James is now a Wellington based flautist who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Classical Performance at the New Zealand School of Music. She is now continuing her studies with a Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) in Orchestral Studies with the Deane Orchestral Studies Scholarship. She is currently studying with NZSO Principal Flute, Bridget Douglas and had previously studied with NZSO Associate Principal Flute, Kirstin Eade during her undergraduate studies. During Althea’s time at university, she has performed as both Co-Principal Flute and Principal Piccolo with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra. She has also performed with Orchestra Wellington, National Youth Opera Aotearoa, Wellington Youth Orchestra and Christchurch Youth Orchestra. While at NZSM, Althea has had the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with world renowned flautists, Emily Beynon and Joshua Batty. Althea hopes to continue her passion for the flute in the orchestral repertoire through her next years of experience.
Amy Laithwaite Trombone
Amy Laithwaite is a Wellington-based trombonist originally from Auckland, New Zealand. Amy completed a conjoint Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Science in Classical Trombone Performance and Statistics at the University of Auckland before moving to Wellington in 2025 to undertake a Bachelor of Music with Honours at the New Zealand School of Music, studying with NZSO musicians Shannon Pittaway and Matthew Allison. In 2026, Amy is study for a Master of Fine Arts in Orchestral Studies under NZSO Principal Trombonist David Bremner and Principal Bass Trombonist Shannon Pittaway.
Amy performs across a range of musical settings, with particular experience in orchestral and brass band performance. In the brass band community, Amy served as Principal Trombone of the National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand in 2025, having been a member since 2023 and part of the band’s “Section of the Year” in 2024. Amy is also an active member of Hutt City Brass and enjoys attending the New Zealand National Brass Band Championships. Orchestrally, Amy served as Associate Principal Trombone of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra in 2024 and held the position of Principal Trombone with the Auckland Youth Orchestra. Throughout her university studies, Amy has performed in a wide range of ensembles including orchestra, symphonic winds, brass ensemble, big band, and trombone quartets, demonstrating versatility across multiple musical styles.
Lena Krakowiak Trumpet
Lena Krakowiak is a classically trained trumpet player based in Wellington. Born and raised in Christchurch, Lena began playing the trumpet at the age of 8, and her love for music has grown into a passionate pursuit of a professional career. After completing her Bachelor of Music at the New Zealand School of Music in 2025, she is currently working towards a Master of Fine Arts, where she has the privilege of interning at the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Lena plays trumpet in the Wellington Youth Orchestra and also regularly performs with Orchestra Wellington. Her past ensemble experience includes the New Zealand Youth Opera Orchestra, Christchurch Youth Orchestra and the Nelson Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, she served as Associate Principal Trumpet in the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and was also a finalist in the NZSM Concerto Competition last year.
Within the past year, Lena has been a recipient of the Dean’s Orchestral Studies Scholarship and the Graduate Women’s Ella C Wilson Music award. Lena is committed to continuing her growth as a musician, and she continually seeks opportunities to perform, collaborate, and inspire through music.