New Bass Marimba for Music Department
Five-octave concert bass marimbas are the concert grand pianos of the mallet percussion world – pricey, sought after and incredibly versatile.  Rangi Ruru is very excited to celebrate the long awaited arrival of our very own one of these!   Students who are specialising in percussion are already benefitting from the new marimba for their high-level solo and ensemble playing. It is also used by students heavily involved with the Music programme who play other instruments, along with those with more of a social/participation focus who play in one of our all-comers percussion ensembles.

This significant capital investment has been generously and gratefully supported by the Rangi Ruru Foundation, the Rangi Ruru PTA, and the Rangi Ruru Old Girls' Association, along with the Rangi Ruru Music Department and a private donor.  The bass marimba has helped to further bolster the position of the music department as one of the strongest in the city.  This instrument is one of only five in Christchurch, with Rangi Ruru also being one of maybe only two schools in New Zealand fortunate enough to own such an instrument. 

Stellar Strings
The String Orchestras from Rangi Ruru and The Cathedral Grammar School recently enjoyed a morning of workshops Stephen Larsen. Currently the Artistic Director of the Chiron Music Academy in Auckland and an artist teacher at the University of Auckland, Stephen is one of the most highly regarded violin/viola teachers in New Zealand, with several of his students going on to forge music careers of international standing.

The focus of the workshops was on the skills required to play in an ensemble - watching, listening, collaboration, leadership alongside technical and musical considerations. There was a range of ages and abilities to cater for, with concepts pitched to provide deep learning for all. This was evidenced in an evening demonstration concert to parents, where the students performed the two pieces worked on during the morning. In addition each school performed individual string orchestra, solo and chamber music items. It was a pleasure once again to host The Cathedral Grammar School to enjoy making music together.

Rising Stars Lunchtime Concert Tuesday May 30
Resolutions and three of our senior chamber music groups will perform in the Rising Stars Lunchtime Concert on Tuesday May 30, 1.10 - 2pm, at the Great Hall in the Arts Centre.  This performance is one of the highlights of our music calendar and provides valuable performance experience as students work towards the Big Sing and NZCT Chamber Music Events.  More information is available at https://www.artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/rangi-ruru-girls-school-musical-showcase including admission prices.  No bookings required.

Ōtautahi Jazz Jam
The Jazz Band, under the direction of Lana Law, enjoyed its first performance of the year last Saturday evening at the Ōtautahi Jazz Jam, held at Christchurch Boys' High School.  A new event for secondary school Jazz Bands, the aim was to give all bands a positive performing experience earlier in the year without the pressure of competition. This was a very valuable experience for our band, which has several new members this year.  It was great to see and hear the other bands perform, and has really inspired our students to continue to develop their playing and confidence in performance