Music Groups: Vocal and Instrumental

Choirs

NGHS has several choirs and each choir has a slightly different role and performance opportunities. The main focus of our Choirs are to encourage students to sing together as a group, develop vocal skills and have fun learning and performing songs in several parts. 

Ngā Ihi o te Rā​​​​​​​ 

Ngā Ihi o te Rā is open to all students who wish to enjoy the experience of singing in a large group. There is no audition required for this choir - everyone is welcome. The main performance opportunities for this choir are the Big Sing and the annual Music Evening. Rehearsals are once a week on Tuesday lunchtime in the hall. 

Ad Lucem
​​​​​​​The Ad Lucem choir is our extension choir which performs more advanced music. This group has several rehearsals per week and performs in several events throughout the year including the Big Sing, Music Evening, school assemblies etc. Rehearsals are Monday lunchtime and after school on a Thursday.

Instrumental Groups

NGHS provides students with a wide range of instrumental groups to participate in. An important skill when learning to play an instrument is to learn to perorm in a group with other musicians and so we encourage students to enjoy these opportunities on offer. In most cases students need to develop skills on their chosen instrument before they can join an instrumental group.

Orchestra
A proud tradition of NGHS is our strong school Orchestra. Students are encouraged to play in the orchestra once they reach the required standard. The orchestra performs at both school and community concerts and celebrations. They have participated in the HB Secondary Schools Orchestra day, WeBO and the Australian International Music Festival in Sydney. Rehearsals are Thursday lunchtime and extra practices are timetabled in preparation for events. 

Concert Band
Players of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments have the opportunity to participate in this group. This group is a great opportunity for both young and more experienced players to develop ensemble skills by playing a range of popular music. 

Rock Bands
Guitar, bass guitar, keyboard and drum students are encouraged to perform in a Rock Band. We are fortunate to have a Rock Band tutor to assist these students. Students rehearse before school on Wednesday mornings as well as organising their own extra rehearsals. The rock bands perform in the Smokefree Rockquest, school assemblies, concerts and outdoor lunchtime concerts. ​​​​​​​

Song Writers Club
For those with an inrterest in writing their own songs, this group provides an opportunity to develop those skills and encourage performances. Students are encouraged to enter into song writing events such as, Play it Strange, NZSO song writer, Rockquest etc.

Chamber Music
NGHS has a strong tradition of Chamber Music and each year a number of chamber music groups participate in the National Chamber Music contest. Each group consists of 3 - 8 instrumentalists. This is an excellent way for students to develop ensemble skills and explore new music. 

Music Theory Club
All students are welcome to join our Music Theory Club. This club is designed to help students develop their music reading skills and general music theory skills. Theory club is held after school on Tuesdays.

If you are interested in participating in any of the above and would like more information, please email music@nghs.school.nz