Music

MUSIC

CLASSROOM MUSIC

In Years 7 and 8 Music is a compulsory subject. There is a large focus on practical Music, as well as the basics of Music theory. Learners spend time playing guitar and keyboard, writing their own music, researching different styles of music and exploring how the elements of music all fit together.

In Year 9, learners have the option of taking music for one semester. In this course they cover a variety of topics exploring composition, performance, aural training and theory. Learners taking options from Year 9 onwards and are expected to be learning an instrument of their own choice. At this stage we encourage the use of Sibelius music writing software. The Year 9 Music course is linked with other subjects as part of the Y9 integration program.

In Year 10, learners have the option of taking music for an entire year. This course follows the structure of NCEA Level One, again focusing on composition, performance, aural training and set works. They study a variety of music topics including Jazz, Beethoven, New Zealand works and movie composition.

In the senior school we offer NCEA Music. In each year level, we look at achievement standards covering Composition, Performance, Music Works, Aural and Theory skills.

In 2012 we are looking at the following topics:

Y11: the establishment of the popular Music scene in New Zealand, with a focus on Che Fu, as well as Music from the classical period with a focus on Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik.

Y12: learners address a number of music topics including Composition, Instrumentation, Aural and Theory (Basic harmony).  A number of group and solo based performance assessments are also completed.

Y13: learners get to choose their own course from a range of achievement standards offered. They are able to focus in an area that really interests them. They also put on two performance evenings which are open to the public.

 

INDIVIDUAL MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

ITINERANT LESSONS

We offer tuition in a large range of instruments here at the College under our itinerant scheme.

·Clarinet

·Bass Clarinet

·Tenor Saxophone

·Alto Saxophone

·Baritone Saxophone

·French horn

·Oboe

·Singing

·Piano

·Flute

We also have a small number of instruments that we are able to hire out at a reduced cost.

 

PRIVATE LESSONS

Instruments for which we have private tutors attend the school include guitar, bass guitar, violin and drums. Payment and scheduling are organised directly through the tutors, with the convenience of having students take lessons while at school.

For more information please contact music@wgpcollege.school.nz
 

MUSIC EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

There are a variety of performance prospects at Whangaparaoa College for those learners who play instruments or sing. Our numerous bands and choirs offer students opportunity at every skill level.  

 

BANDS

All of the bands perform throughout the year to different audiences and both the Concert Band and Jazz Band compete at the KBB Music Festival. Many bands at Whangaparaoa College also work towards entering Rock Quest where students write and rehearse original music. Some bands use the Music department after school etc for rehearsals which needs to be arranged through the Head of Music.
 

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS BAND (Absolute beginners, Yr 7/8) caters to students who have just begun learning an instrument within itinerant scheme.

 

LOUD AND PROUD (Beginner band, learning approx 12 months) is a fun beginner band catering for woodwind, brass and percussion. The band plays lots of well known music and some fabulous lesser known works. During the course of the year there are ample performance opportunities and it’s a great starting place for developing and furthering young musicians.

CONCERT BAND (Auditioned) The Band specifically catered to advanced learners performs a wide variety of music including film scores, classical, pop arrangements and compositions specifically for concert bands. Opportunity to go on camp and entering the KBB music festival are just some of the highlights.

JAZZ BAND (Invitation/Audition) As this band is all about achieving balance of instruments, entry is by invitation and audition. The band performs a wide variety of easy listening and more complex jazz standards. It’s a great starting place for improvisations and building confidence. Instruments included are Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone and Tenor Saxophone.

 

CHOIRS

JUNIOR CHOIR is open to all Y7/8 Learners. They rehearse on Tuesday’s after school in M2 with Miss Senior. They sing a variety of Music, and enter Kids Sing. This is a great place to come along and learnt to sing as part of a group.

SERAPHIN is open to learners Y9 to Y13. The choir sings music of various genres and styles both accompanied and unaccompanied. It’s a great place to begin developing vocal abilities and to learn how to sing effectively in an ensemble setting. Once again the choir will be entering the Big Sing Competition.

BELLISSIMO is an auditioned senior choir available to Y9-Y13 students. This is the schools top vocal group. Last year Bellissimo was selected to attend the Big Sing Finale in Wellington as one of the top 20 secondary age choirs in NZ. They achieved a Silver medal and The Youth Ambassadors Award.