The music programme is adapted each year to adjust the interests and strengths of students. The following are currently available:

TUITION

Some tuition is subsidised, and some are privately funded (individual or small group, parents pay directly to the tutor). Lessons take place both in and out of school time.

This year we have 13 specialist itinerant teachers. The cost of lessons currently ranges from $13 to approximately $26 per week depending on the instrument and length of the lesson. There are some subsidies and sponsorships available.

Tuition is offered in the following instruments:

Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn, violin, viola, cello, double cello, keyboard, piano, vocals, bass guitar, acoustic, electric and classical guitar, drums, percussion, and bagpipes.

INSTRUMENT HIRE

Most instruments are available for hire through the school at very reasonable costs. Otherwise, instruments may be hired from music shops or privately owned.

MUSIC GROUPS (A-Z)

BRASS ENSEMBLE

All brass students are welcome to join this ensemble as soon as they have basic skills on their instrument. Most music is especially arranged for the players and students help to select the repertoire they play.

CELTIC GROUP

Fiddle, tin whistle, flute, bodhran, guitar, bass, mandolin.

CHAMBER MUSIC GROUPS

Small groups of players are selected to play in chamber music ensembles. In this environment, students are solely responsible for their part. There is no conductor so they must learn to listen and work together. Students compete in the annual Chamber Music contest and perform at events throughout the year.

CHOIR

Open to all students. The choir takes part in the Christchurch Music Festival, Voices Festival, NZ Music Month, and school events.

COMPUTER MUSIC

Lunchtimes, Leisure Ed or class options. A large range of exciting software.

JAZZ BAND

The award-winning jazz bands are in demand as unique, young performance groups. The jazz band provides an excellent opportunity for students to combine classical music skills (such as reading and technique) with more contemporary sounds (such as drum kit and bass guitar). It exposes them to a variety of jazz styles, such as blues, Latin, swing, and ballads. It also gives them experience in combo and big band settings, and gives them some contact with the jazz standard repertoire. It is particularly good for developing their rhythmic feel, and jazz students are able to learn skills of improvising, trading, jazz scales and chords, and phrasing and articulation. Students in the jazz band take part in JazzQuest, Big Band Festival, Junior Jazz Jam, and tours.

LARGE ENSEMBLE – CONCERT BAND/ORCHESTRA

All students are welcome to join the orchestra as soon as they have basic skills on their instrument. Most music is especially arranged for the players and students help to select the repertoire they play.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE

This group is available to any student interested in playing percussion instruments, including drum kit, marimba, and even “found” instruments such as 20L buckets. They play in the Strum, Strike, Blow Festival, the Re-percussion concert, and the Chamber Music contest.

RECORDER ENSEMBLE

The descant, alto, tenor and bass recorder group play at Strum Strike and Blow.

ROCK BANDS 

Play originals and covers – take part in Rockquest, Tangata Beats and Bandquest. Many previous awards.

SOUND and LIGHTING TECHNICIANS

Receive a holiday training course with state-of-the-art equipment. Students help with events such as assemblies, sports days, prizegivings, and productions.

THEORY CLUB

This popular after-school club learns music theory through interactive games as well as working through conventional theory books with the opportunity to sit exams at any level.

UKULELE BAND

Plays in the Strum, Strike, Blow Festival, and NZ Music month events.

Groups rehearse weekly, some in school time, and perform in assemblies, concerts, and in the community.

These groups are all free.

The pre-teen years are a fantastic time to invest in music learning. The brain is growing as fast as it did in pre-school years so they are able to learn and grow a lot. Music learning also helps the brain develop and helps other areas of school work. Students have time, and are physically big enough to invest into practice. They often make life-long friendships, play in ensembles together and become much better prepared for secondary school and teenage years.

For more information, please contact Mrs Jarman: ejarman@chisnallwood.school.nz