|
|
CLASSROOM MUSIC
In Years 7 and 8 Music is a compulsory subject. There is a large focus on practical Music, as well as look at 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 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 tied in with other subjects as part of the Y9 integration program.
At 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, and Aural and Theory skills.
In 2010 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: NZ Composition, with a focus on Gareth Far;s work ‘from the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs’ and a comparasion with Debussy. . They are increasing their performance and compositional skills through workshopping their work for their peers.
In 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.
OUT OF CLASS OPPORTUNITIES:
ITINERANT LESSONS
We offer tuition in a large range of instruments here at the College under our itinerant scheme from Trombone to Bass Guitar. We also have a small number of instruments that we are able to hire out at a reduced cost. For more information please contact music@wgpcollege.school.nz
MUSIC EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
There are a variety of performance opportunities at College for those learners who play instruments or sing.
Formal Bands:
We have a beginner band, called Loud and Proud, Concert Band and Jazz Band. 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.
Loud and Proud 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 performs a wide variety of music including film scores, classical, pop arrangements and compositions specifically for concert bands. The Band is going on a camp for the first time this year in order to better prepare for the KBB music festival.
Jazz Band performs a wide variety of easy listening and more complex jazz standards. It’s a great starting place for improvisations and building confidence.
Other Bands:
Lazy Tuesdays: This is a group run by Helen Lee as part of the itinerant scheme. This is for learners who are wanting to improve their ensemble playing, work on original songs, arrangements for horn parts etc. Learners need to enrol at the Music office for this.
Rock Quest: Many bands at Whangaparaoa College work towards entering Rock Quest. They write and rehearse original music. Some bands use the Music department after school etc for rehearsals which needs to be arranged through Miss Jones.
Choirs:
Junior Choir is open to all Y7 and 8 Learners. They rehearse on Tuesday’s after school in M2 with Miss Senior and Danielle Parker (a Y13 Learner). They sing a variety of Music, and will enter kids sing. This is a great place to come along and learnt to sing as part of a group.
Senior Choir is open to learners Y9 and above. 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. This year they will be entering the Big Sing Competition. This choir is directed by Miss Baker, with help from Joanna Rakoroi (an ex student) and they rehearsal on Thursdays in M1 from 3.30 – 5.00.
Bellissimo is an auditioned senior choir. This is the schools top vocal group. Rehearsals for this are after school on Thursdays from 3.30 – 5.30. Last year Bellissimo was selected to attend the Big Sing Finale in Dunedin as one of the top 20 secondary age choirs in NZ. This year they are aiming for this again, as well as participating in the NZ Secondary Choral Festival.
 |
|
