Music Successes

The following students have auditioned successfully for the 2020 NZ Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra:

• Enshean Lin (Y13, violin)
• Ayoung Cho (Y13, cello)
• Isabel Lu (Y11, violin)
• Sophie Ward (Y10, violin)

Enshean was also appointed as the Concertmaster (leader of the orchestra).

• Sophie Ward (Y10), Violin, Grade 8 (Distinction. Sophie also received a medal from Trinity College London for the highest mark in the Manawatu and Rangitikei region in 2019 across all instruments for all senior grades (Grade 6 - 8 & Advanced Certificate).

Adam Summer School by Enshean Lin (Y13)

“I was honoured to be accepted into the 2020 Adam Summer School, held in Nelson, along with 28 other hard working musicians from across New Zealand and even from Australia. The Adam Summer School is run by the New Zealand String Quartet and heavily sponsored by the Adam Foundation who also sponsor many other festivals across NZ. The audition was an anonymous audio recording of two contrasting pieces. You are then placed into chamber groups by the NZSQ. I was lucky enough to be put in a group with two of my good friends. We played Ravel’s String Quartet in F major. During the week, we had 2+ hours of coaching and public masterclasses every day. In total we had about 9 hours of coaching during the week and many more hours of individual and group rehearsals. The Adam Summer School has also integrated Feldenkrais into its programme, a method that teaches you “Awareness through movement”. On Sunday, the final day of the school, two concerts were held to showcase every single group and their work through the whole work. My group played wonderfully and were all very proud of the fruits of our hard work. During the week I’ve learnt so much from the tutors and have been inspired by all the talent and hard work of the students. I am looking forward to playing more chamber music this year after this motivating, intense, rewarding, and fun week.”

New Staff

Mr Cristian Huenuqueo Salazar joins the Music team to teach guitar. He will also lead the guitar orchestra and guitar ensemble. Mr Alan Selway joins us where he will teach bass guitar, lead the bands and run Audio Engineering programme. Mr Johnny Robert joins us to teach drums, and we welcome Mrs Heather Selway back this year to teach violin, viola, cello and Chamber music.

Performance Programme 2020

All students learning an instrument at Palmerston North Girls’ High School must also participate in a group. Each instrument taught at the school has a pathway from entry level (beginners) to developmental to high performance (auditioned) groups. Students join an ensemble at the most appropriate level for them. We have pathways for singers, instrumentalists, contemporary performers and pianists. Groups are open to all girls in the school. Rehearsals are now getting underway for all groups. Students should follow the daily notices to find when and where each takes place. Just come along – and bring a friend! Our vision is performing music for enjoyment, friendship, creative self-expression and musical success. If you're not sure which group to join, email Ms Joe (d.joe@pnghs.school.nz) or pop in for a quick chat at interval or lunchtime in the Music office.

Music workshops

Cantatrices had a workshop with Rowan Johnston, a freelance conductor, adjudicator and choral clinician based in Auckland. They worked on valuable breathing exercises, how to sing with a great sound, vowels and transferred these skills into their repertoire.
Cantatrices will also work with Megan Flint next term as they prepare for The Big Sing.Students in String Orchestra, Concert band, Flute Choir and Chamber music will work with musicians from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in March.