Music
Michelle Flint – Director of Instrumental Music
This year Michelle Flint won the 2011 KBB Midwest Clinic Scholarship to attend the Annual International Band and Orchestra Festival Clinic in Chicago, Illinois, in December 2011. The KBB Music Midwest Scholarship is a professional development opportunity open to all teachers and directors of concert bands and orchestras in New Zealand. Strongest consideration for the scholarship is given to those whose attendance is likely to create the greatest benefit to Youth Music in New Zealand. This year, KBB Music announced that Michelle Flint is the lucky recipient. The selection panel had whittled the applicants down to three possibilities and Michelle’s application came out as the clear winner.
Music
Music is strongly supported in the School and it is compulsory for all Year 9 boys to learn to play a musical instrument. Musical ability is also strongly supported within the curriculum, House activities and through annual events such as the School music festival.
The School has a number of fine instruments, notable the chapel organ, the grand piano and the harpsicord. The School's Director of Music ensures that students have the opportunity to develop their talents to the fullest extent whatever their choice of instrument or musical appreciation.
The School is supported by a strong group of itinerant teachers who are engaged by students to provide lessons during the School week covering a range of instruments as well as voice.
Year 9 Band Programme at St Paul's
Year 9 students at St Paul’s have the opportunity to play a trumpet, cornet, clarinet, saxophone or auxiliary percussion instrument. The Band Programme introduces students to instruments that they would never before have tried. Students are initially segregated into their instrument groups to learn new notes, instrument techniques and instrument care. The groups learn several tunes and then towards the end of the term, come together to play their tunes in an ensemble situation. This performance could be a mini concert in front of the Headmaster, or on a larger scale in front of the whole school during an assembly. This exciting new programme has already got the Year 9 boys excited about playing a wind instrument. Many boys are deciding to take up Itinerant lessons on their instrument already. At the end of the programme the boys have the opportunity to either hire an instrument from school, or from a music shop, or begin Itinerant Music lessons. This year we thought we would highlight the musical talent that teaches and inspires your children.
Smokefree Rockquest
The Waikato Regional Smokefreerockquest is an annual event that we encourage our budding Rock Musicians to enter. This year our Rock Band, Bermuda Square, entered the Regional competition at the Founders Theatre. They won the ‘Smokefree People’s Choice Award’ and now they have the chance to be the opening band for the National Final, via a text vote, in August. Members are Connor Johnson, Paul Newton-Jackson, Jess Riley, Shani Fernando and Jo Stewart. The Band played ’Missing Something’ and ‘What About Us?’, both original songs. Last year, Bermuda Square and ‘Resolute’ entered the Regional competition .‘Bermuda Square’ won the ‘Smokefree People’s Choice Award’ and Jess Reilly won the “Smokefree Award for Woman’s Musicianship. Our school rock bands are lucky to be working with Nathan Aish, an accomplished rock musician in his own right. Nathan was part of ‘Mammasaid’ winning the National Battle of the Bands in 2002. He has toured New Zealand extensively with the band and they have recorded an album. Nathan has judged the Battle of the Bands competitions and Smokefreerockquest on many occasions.
School Symphonic Orchestra
The School Symphonic Orchestra is available for all our orchestral musicians on Mondays at 1.15pm. This year we will be working on building up our repertoire and performing in school as opportunities arise.
Trad Band
All students interested in Jazz, who are approximately Grade 3 standard on their chosen instrument, are encouraged to join our Jazz Band on Friday afternoons after school. Students who play Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Alto or Baritone Saxophone, Piano, Guitar or Bass are encouraged to audition for the Jazz Band. In 2012 we are hoping to enter the Waikato Schools and Paeroa Jazz Festivals. There will also be opportunities for our less experienced students to work towards performing in a beginner Jazz Band.
Year 9 Band Programme Gallery
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