Music
Puoro
The Music Department at St Andrew’s College is a vibrant, exciting place full of many learning and performance opportunities. No matter the instrument your child plays or the style of music they’re into, there are many opportunities to develop and hone their skills under the direction of highly qualified specialist tutors.
Music and the curriculum
Music as a subject starts from Year 9, with our highly regarded music programme focusing on arranging, composition, theory, and performance. At senior levels, students can specialise their programme to match their unique musical strengths and interests. We prioritise performance and composition, offering regular masterclasses, with the NCEA/senior levels engaging in project-based learning. St Andrew’s is one of the first schools in the country to implement a full music technology component into its curriculum, which is crucial for students aspiring to work in the modern music industry. Our Scholarship music programme consistently produces NCEA Music Scholarships.
Music in Years 1–8
Our Preparatory School Orchestra is made up of students who are currently receiving music tuition. They perform specially crafted musical arrangements under the guidance of Music teacher Ros Emeleus. Additionally, a small number of chamber groups are formed each year. Students who are keen on choral music can either join the Cantare Choir (Years 6–8) or the Junior Choir (Years 3–5).
Music in Years 9–13
Our highly talented teaching staff, state of the art music suites and recording studio, and use of exciting technologies and innovative teaching programmes provides a first-class environment in which music students can reach their full potential. We combine cutting edge technology and traditional music skills in the context of project based learning and innovative teaching techniques. In the creative industry it takes many people to produce an artwork. Students learn how to be interdependent using each other’s strengths to build a collaborative community.
Secondary School music groups
Under the direction of Music teacher Mark Hodgkinson, our classical orchestra programme is designed to meet the needs of our musicians.
Reasons to get involved
Quality staff and tutors
World-wide acclaim
The 2023 Prizegiving grand finale rendition of Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven has gone viral. Featuring around 120 singers and musicians who seamlessly blended the sounds of our rock band and orchestra, was enhanced by an impressive light show. Special commendation is due to the Head of Music Duncan Ferguson, along with Music teacher Mark Hodgkinson, lead singer Grace Burnett (OC 2023), lead guitarist Mia Fraser (OC 2023), and acoustic guitarist James McIver (OC 2024) in bringing this exceptional performance to life.
After 2023's unforgettable finale of Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven, St Andrew's College students lived up to expectations during the 2024 Prizegiving with an incredible rendition of Coldplay's Viva La Vida. Every student poured their hearts into the performance, and it truly showed. Special thanks to Head of Music Duncan Ferguson, Conductor Mark Hodgkinson, Choir Director Dr Jared Corbett, Technical Operations Supervisor Paul Sparkes, our singers Xanthe Pearce, Chantelle Xiong and Hugo Ranken (OC 2024), and all our talented students for making this performance possible.
Our Whakataukī
He waka
eke noa
We are all in this together
