Take a look inside our department, what we do and the fun we have!

Kia ora! The Performing Arts, as the name suggests, is all about performing and experiencing the arts. At this point in time we consist of Music (from Year 7-13), Drama (from Year 7-13) and Dance (introduced in Year 7/8 and can be continued on through online courses).

On any given day, the music room is usually buzzing with music played or lessons being taught through our itinerant music teachers (We can offer lessons in Violin and Trumpet, Guitar, Bass and Drums, Piano and Singing!)

We also have recently purchased a suite of computers and recording equipment, allowing students for the first time at OAS to write, record and refine their music completely digitally, which is very much the normal, and future, when it comes to music production and creation.

Our drama space, Tautoru, (the blue space located at the end of Aotahi) is also a busy place; it houses a variety of props and costumes for our drama classes which always makes for fun and engaging learning. From stage lighting, soundscapes, script work and original plays, there is never a dull moment in these classes.

Another element of our department is the extra-curricular options for our OAS students. We currently are running a choir (Years 7 - 13) and different bands (Years 9 - 10 and Years 11 - 13) and often bring in skilled professionals to offer more learning opportunities. One example is last year’s “Music Day”, where our itinerant teachers and a guest songwriter/composer from Washington, D.C. spent the day with 20 students covering a range of topics from instrument maintenance and care, through to writing your own music and playing in a band!

Needless to say, I love this department and teaching these subjects at OAS. If the Performing Arts are an area of interest, come and say hi!

Jesse Moore, HOD Performing Arts