Figure 1.--High schools offer optional music courses as well as variou mudic groups in which the students can make music. |
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Children of all ages enjoy music. As the children grow older, there interest in music increases among some of the students. This interest increases among both students with musical talent as well as youth who just enjoy music. And unlike the other fine arts this interest often cuts across social classes and economic backgrounds. There is an academic program, but this varies depending on the academic level and often the size of the school. Most schools also offer optional instrumental training as well opportunities to make music.
The academic music program varied quite a bit among the different schools we visited. Primary schools intriduce the children to the basics of music. The children may have the opportunity to experiment with basic instruments like recorders. Some schools give more emphasis to music than others. Here the private schools tend to give more attention go music. Some of the oprivate preo scghools had well-equiped music suits with key boards and other equipment. The children may even do a little composing. At the secondary level music was an elective subject.
Almost all schools have an active activities program providing a range of musical activities. The program varied widely from school to school. It dependened in lrge measure on the size of the school and the talents of the staff. Schools often sponsored bands and various musical groups. Depending on te size of the school, there may even be an orchestra.
1993 has been a productive year for Perfect Cadence and its thirty-five members who range from third to seventh formers. Perfect Cadence has a practice every Thursday after school for one-and-a-half to two hours when Mr Thin has, on occassion, been known to sing a different verse to everyone else (inknown to himself). During the second term we hd many extra practices for the Secondary Schools' Choral Festival, at which we performed. We have sung in Assembly several times. The style of music we sing varies from Mozart to the blues , as well as spoken pieces. Our best attribute is Gary Lim, our accompanist, and his wonderful fingers. Perfect Cadence is one of the best music groups to be in from our school.
Alissa Smith and Vaugham, Lymphad (Cashmere High School), 1993
The music that was performed this year included Stairway to Heaven, Funeral for a Friend, Love Lies Bleeding, Golden Wedding, and Caravan, all of which were performed at the Aucklasnd Stageband and Orchestra competition in August. The band had a pleasing result there with a third place in their first appearance. In this competition we were also commended for the interesting and difficult selection of items and the high standard of the rhythm section, particularly drums and guitar. The stageband also featured in a concert at school on October 9--both as a group and with members forming smaller Jazz/Blues combos as well as numerous solos and duets erc. For the senior prizegiving the band performed as major items: the second movement of the Gershwin Piano Concerto, this featured Daniel Lightfoot, a seventh form music student of piano. 2) 'Always with You Always with Me' by J. Satrinani which featured sixth form music student Clifton Hawkins on guitar. Clifton also composed the arrangement of this item himself. It is hopeful to finish the year by performing at local schools although this may include a smaller group of musicians due to exams and transport difficulties. Overall it has been a great year for the stageband and it is shping up to be a musical fore to be reconed with in the future.
Kelstonian Kelston Boys' High School, 1996
