Music

Guitar Ensemble

Owen Moriaty, our guitar tutor, directs the Guitar Ensemble.  For the first half of the year, only 4 students are members.  The group prepares for Chamber Music competitions.  In the second half, other students may join to prepare some less demanding pieces.

Prima Choir

Prima is an all-comers choir that performs as the opportunity arises; Masses, assemblies, and concerts.

The choir rehearses for half an hour per week, each Monday.

Its focus is singing for fun and performance.  Students from any year group may join.

Schola Choir

Schola is a 16 voice auditioned chamber choir that performs a variety of music styles.  It suits students who can read music or those who are passionate enough to learn their part.

In 2011, the Schola Choir will be directed by Francesca Geach.  It will have 2 hour long rehearsals, one at lunchtime and one before school.  Students will be enrolled in group vocal lessons as part of the Instrumental Tuition programme.

It is our intention to strive for choral excellence in this choir.  Year 10 – 13 students will be auditioned early in Term 1 and preparation for the Big Sing and other events will begin.  Year 9 students are encouraged to be members of the Prima Choir to demonstrate their commitment and vocal potential.

Chamber Music

Chamber Music is for students who have been learning an instrument for a few years and would like to be coached formally in a set group for a different experience of performance and, later, for NCEA group performances and the New Zealand Chamber Music Competition..

Students from any year group need to apply to the Head of the Music Department if interested.  Groups will be set up from these students.

Instrumental Lessons

Music lessons will be given for groups of students.  Group numbers depend on availability and the instrument being learnt.  Priority placement will be given to:

• Students taking NCEA Music (Performance) at levels 1-3, for whom group lessons are appropriate
• Year 10 students, who have had at least 1 year of instrumental tuition
• Year 9 students
• All other students

Other factors taken into consideration include a student’s commitment to school music groups.

Lessons are held during school time.  The lesson time will change/rotate each week so that the same school lesson is not missed.  Students need to keep up with regular class work to maintain a place in the instrumental tuition programme.  Regular times may otherwise be organised by request.