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The Music School is housed in the three purpose-built rooms of the new Specialist building including three specialist band studios as well as the Itinerant rooms of the Malcolm Bracegirdle Memorial School of Music.
Instrumental music programme
Our philosophy is one of both inclusion and excellence. We believe in allowing every boy to participate in music-making to the best of his ability. We have a variety of small group ensembles and an all-comers’ choir, where your son will be able to build foundational skills in music-reading and performing. As boys become more advanced, they will be able to audition for our more prestigious ensembles. The Annual calendar is full of musical events for our young musicians to showcase talent and build confidence. All 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. Once a year we showcase our top soloists in our Instrumental Competition Final and all musicians come together for the highlight of the year in the Music Extravaganza Evening.
Itinerant Programme
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 such as Fireworks and Prizegiving, 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.
Concert Band
The Concert Band learn a varied repertoire of both classical and contemporary music. The band perform in school concerts, school exchanges and functions both in and out of school.
String Orchestra
The string orchestra is a strong group of auditioned musicians who perform at all music events and throughout the year at school exchanges and collaborations.
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, leading the parade on Celtic Day.
Recorder Consort and Flute Choir
Our Recorder Consort caters for our descant, treble and bass recorder players. They perform in various school concerts and events. The 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. Both the recorder consort and flute choir introduce ensemble skills to the boys from a young age and give them the opportunity to perform for an audience.
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 varied 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. All boys in the Saint Kentigern Singers have the chance to complete the Voice for Life RSCM badges.
