Music

The School has a number of resident groups which span a spectrum of musical styles. The chamber group specialises in classical music and the choir leads the chapel services. Several bands and groups are also active within the school.

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. 

Musicians of every genre have started preparation for performances during the year. One of the cultural highlights of 2010 will be the choir trip to Hawaii from April 10-20. Encouragingly we currently have 37 students in our choir and they have already sung impressively at weekly Chapel services and the recent funeral for Mr Geoff Blackett an old Collegian.

Choir trip to Hawaii
The choir trip to Hawaii will see the choir sing a Lunchtime Recital and Sunday Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral and School, sing for Vigil Mass at St Augustine’s by the Sea, present a performance at the Ala Moana Centre and sing for classes at Iolani School.
When not performing the choir will tour Pearl Harbor and visit the USS Arizona Memorial, take the Grand Circle Tour of Oahu, climb Diamond Head, swim and snorkel at Haunama Bay, as well as enjoy time on Waikiki Beach. 33 Choristers accompanied by 12 staff and parents will be travelling.

Students learning to play an instrument
To date we have an encouraging uptake of students wanting to take instrumental lessons with the following offered: Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Cello, Double Bass, Drums, Singing, Piano and Guitar.

While guitar is now full we are still able to place students in other areas if they have an interest in learning an instrument. To reduce the cost to families we have a number of ‘loan instruments’ that we can lend to students in their first year of study. This year we are continuing to offer Orchestral Ensemble and have established a Jazz Band.

Should you have any further enquiries please contact Mr Francis Cowan. Enrollment forms for lessons can be obtained from Reception.

Sweeney Todd
Auditions are currently being completed for our Term Two production of Sweeney Todd by Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim. We have a fine cast of 45 students and I am looking forward to an exceptional season at the Southwell Centre for Performing Arts 7.30pm 29th, 30th June and 1st July. We will be presenting the new school edition possibly for the first time in New Zealand. Sweeney Todd is one of the greatest masterpieces of modern music theatre and a significant challenge for the students