Music

We have a thriving and integrated programme catering to today’s diverse musical youth. Whether you are here to give playing an instrument a go, with or without much prior experience, join a new music ensemble, learn how to DJ, or challenge yourself with others playing at the higher level, we have something for you.

Curriculum

Middle School Music

Year 7 Music is a compulsory ‘taster’ course where students get to learn either a woodwind (saxophone, flute or clarinet) or brass (trumpet or trombone) instrument and also try pipes & drums as part of our Scottish heritage and special character.

Year 8 Music is an optional semester course (2 terms). Students continue their instrument learning from Year 7, forming small groups for performance and songwriting tasks. Students will learn how to arrange and create their own original music using Garageband and Soundtrap.

Year 9 Music is optional semester course (2 terms). Students can continue to develop on their chosen instrument(s) or start a new instrument. We place a strong focus on small ensemble rehearsal and performance skills, as well as musical knowledge, research and music creation.

Year 10  Music opens up more pathways to cater for the diverse learners and musical preference. There are 2 options to choose from in Year 10 Music as we get more specialised utilising students’ prior musical skills and literacy.

Senior School Music 

Performance Music - suitable for more traditional learners of music and could include those that consider themselves classical, choral, or jazz musicians.

Contemporary Music - suitable for learners who could consider themselves interested in rock/pop music, music technology and more contemporary styles.

In both pathways a diverse range of musical styles and genres are explored, experimented and presented in hands-on projects to complete individually and in groups in performance, composition/songwriting as well as research.

From Years 11-13, students have the option of studying NCEA Performance or Contemporary Music or International Baccalaureate Music. 

Co-Curriculum

We offer 7 unique Music Programmes at Saint Kentigern College:

• Orchestra
• Strings
• Rock
• Chamber
• Concert Band
• Jazz
• Choral

Joining our Co-Curricular music groups will have a small music levy cost charged to cover our basic EOTC, rehearsal, concert and competition costs.

The Orchestra, Strings, Concert Band, Jazz and Choral programmes have ‘all-comers’ and ‘auditioned’ groups that allow students to participate at the level suitable to their individual musical skills and experience.

These programmes are full year programmes with fixed weekly rehearsals, additional weekend workshops, performances and competitions. Auditions are either at the end of the previous year or the first week back in 2024 for our premier groups. For our all-comer groups, simply come to our first rehearsal in Week 2 of Term 1, no audition required!

The Rock programme runs by semester (2 terms) and requires students to register with pre-formed groups themselves, or as individuals and we will form the groups based on others that have signed up with similar experience and musical taste.

The Chamber programme requires audition and runs from January until August.

We strongly recommend students with piano experience to take up another instrument to contribute in our orchestra, strings, concert band, jazz and rock programme.

Private Lessons

We offer lessons in the following: 

If you have any questions or issues, please contact
Michelle Childers
Music Administrator

Music Events

We host biannual and annual events for our music students and welcome their friends and families to come along and enjoy.

• Jazz Café
• Choral Showcase
• Chamber Music Showcase
• Rock Showcase
• Music Gala
• Solo Music Competition                            
• Middle School Music Evening
• House Music
• Rock the Quad
• Small Ensembles for Uxbridge @ 12

House Music

Our annual, sell-out House Music Evening brings seven large House Choirs including one from the boarding house with over 200 students per choir, together to the stage, all vying for the coveted House Music Cup.

Each House also showcases its most talented musicians in the ‘band’ competition. This is always a fun evening for students and parents alike  - in honour of their love of singing and the thrill of performing in a professional venue.

Our Music Ensembles Successes

With some of the best music directors in Auckland, our premier ensembles have achieved the following results:

• Chamber Music Contest - National semi finalists 2019-2022, as a fully Saint Kentigern College formed group. National Runner Up 2021, KBB Music Award, People’s Choice Award, Best Performance of a NZ Work
• Big Sing Auckland Regional - Runner-Up, Best SATB choir
• Big Sing National Finale - Silver Award 2018-2019
• National Concert Band Festival - Gold Award 2019
• Rockquest Auckland Regional finalists 2022
• National Jazz Festival – Gold for Big Band & Jazz Combo 2021-22
• Matamata Music Festival - Gold for Concert Band 2021
• KBB Music Festival - 2021 Gold Award and Gala Performance for Big Band and Concert Band; 2022 Gold Award, Gala Performance and Best Soloist Awards for Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Big Band
• Percussion Quartet National Chamber Contest Finals