When the flame-throwers lit up the Arthur Street School hall, it was clear the Strike percussion ensemble's performance was no ordinary school concert.
Beads of sweat began to form on teachers' furrowed brows and there were gasps of surprise from the young audience.
Who knew a flame-thrower could be turned into a musical instrument?
''Pretty cool, eh? Some people say it's our hottest piece,'' Strike member Thomas Friggens said.
However, he was quick to point out the group had had plenty of advice from the New Zealand Fire Service on how to perform the piece safely, and gave a strict warning to the children: ''Don't try this at home!''
The high-energy drumming group specialises in movement-based, choreographed percussion, and most of the pupils could not stop themselves from slapping their thighs or clapping along with the performers, especially on their more orthodox drumming numbers.
The ensemble has worked with leading New Zealand composers, composed its own pieces and collaborated with other musicians and groups - from dancers to symphony orchestras.
Although its main ''purpose'' was to perform shows, Mr Friggens said a lot of the group's time was spent educating New Zealand's young people about percussion.
He said the school visit was part of its annual schools education tour which was woven into members' busy performance schedule at concert venues throughout New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
Despite some initial concerns at flame-throwers being used in a school assembly, principal Verity Harlick was delighted with the performance.
She said it was great to see pupils leave the assembly so exhilarated and exuberant.
''It was nice to see the children walk with a skip in their step - it's a sign everyone's happy.''
