Music Department News

TIROHANGA CAMP

65 students attended this year’s Music Camp at Tirohanga for the weekend of 10 – 12 March. Music teachers John Dodd and Hana Fahy used the time to introduce and develop repertoire for the school’s choir, orchestra and jazz band. Of course for the students the socialising was an integral part of the whole experience! Every year at this event a highlight is the informal whiteboard concert which is held on the Saturday evening. The standard of performance at this concert was amazingly high and it was a highly entertaining evening. It was followed by the sudden emergence of a jam band and a dance for all.

Special mention must go to the wonderful kitchen staff of 8 parent helpers, ably led by Simone Freeman and Jean Cockram. The meals were amazing and the Music department staff wish to acknowledge and thank these people for their efforts and time.

ROCK SCHOOL

14 Year 9 and 10 students are participating in this after school activity every Wednesday. The students have been put into 4 bands. The goal is to help junior students with their first forays in performing in a group, covering songwriting, arranging, band dynamics and knowledge of equipment. The group will be expected to perform later in Term 2 and record a song in Term 3.

SHAYNE CARTER

One of Dunedin’s most successful rock musicians, Shayne Carter (Straitjacket Fits, Dimmer) is currently working with 10 senior music students (selected because of their interest in songwriting) in a five week course funded through the New Zealand Music Commission. These students are all working toward composition credits for NCEA and the inspiration and knowledge that Shayne is imparting will be most valuable in their development. Thanks so much to Shayne for offering his services to LPHS Music.