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Our well-established Music programme is diverse and exciting. We encourage our boys to develop skills and talent in musical performance.
Our extensive programme encompasses a wide range of vocal and instrumental ensembles, a vibrant classroom programme and many performing opportunities.
Our purpose-built specialist Music School comprises of a large multi-functional teaching room, a band room where various music groups rehearse, and four practice studios where itinerant lessons are held. The Music School is well equipped with a variety of orchestral, band and percussion instruments.
Instrumental music programme
Our students can participate in a variety of musical ensembles. Our groups are auditioned so students are put into the group that best suits their level of ability. The annual calendar is full of musical events for our young musicians to showcase talent and build confidence. Our various groups and ensembles perform regularly in School assemblies, Chapel services and school and community events, enter music competitions and have undertaken both national and international tours.
We hold several music concerts throughout the year featuring our major groups as well as a large number of soloists, with our Music Extravaganza Evening a highlight in the school calendar.
Our students can participate in first class instrumental tuition through our itinerant music programme which enables boys to become actively involved in learning an instrument with specialist music teachers.
Ensemble Groups
Jazz band
The Jazz Band are known for achieving musical excellence. Boys are invited to audition annually for The Jazz Band early in Term One. Sight reading, and musicianship are expected to be good and there is the opportunity to develop improvisation skills. The Jazz Band has many opportunities to perform at major school events, within the community and has great success in Auckland wide competitions.
A select group of advanced players from The Jazz Band are invited to form a Jazz Combo group.
Orchestra
The orchestra learn a varied repertoire of both classical and contemporary music. The orchestra perform in school concerts, our Christmas Cathedral service and various functions both in and out of school. We select a small group of musicians who have demonstrated a very high level of skill on their instrument for our Chamber group.
Saint Kentigern Boys’ Pipe Band
True to our Scottish ancestry, we have our own bagpipe band. Our pipe band, consisting of pipers and drummers perform at ceremonial occasions such as our Celtic Day.
Recorder Consort and Quartet
Our Recorder Consort caters for our descant, treble and bass recorder players. They perform in various school concerts and events. Our Recorder Quartet is an extension group, catering for our more advanced players. On several occasions they have won esteemed awards in music competitions.
Flute Choir
Our flute choir caters for our flute players from beginner through to advanced. The flute choir perform in school concerts and in the community and have the opportunity to be a part of the Auckland wide Suzuki festival.
Choral Programme
There are two major choral groups, the auditioned Performers’ Choir and The Saint Kentigern Singers, an all-comers choir for our students who simply love to sing! Boys in Y6, 7 and 8 can audition to be a member of the Performers’ Choir. The choir is important and prestigious for its members. They sing at our family services, school concerts, the Christmas cathedral service and numerous community events throughout the year. Our Performers’ Choir have undertaken both national and international tours.
The Saint Kentigern Singers is an opportunity for boys from Y4 to sing a simpler repertoire and acts as a training ground for the Performers’ Choir. They also sing in our Chapel services and at a variety of events both in the school and the community.
