A huge congratulations to four of our Stellar Music Scholars Ella Chen (violin), Juliet Park (viola), Elise Tian (cello) and Polly Lee (piano), who have successfully auditioned for the prestigious Adam Chamber Music Summer School, held in Nelson during 10-18 February, 2024. Open primarily to tertiary students, the school provides the opportunity for up to 13 talented young string players and three equally talented pianists to commit themselves to eight days of intense chamber music-making under the guidance world class musicians of the New Zealand String Quartet and guest pianist-in-residence, Stephen De Pledge. Following the intense rehearsal period the groups will perform a major chamber music work in a public recital.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Ella, Juliet, Elise and Polly, who have worked together over many years, making the national finals of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest for the past three years. This summer school is a wonderful opportunity for them to work together for the final time before going in their separate directions for 2024.

It was such a privilege to hear our fantastic Years 9 and 10 music scholars perform at Wednesdays at One, at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Manchester Street on 8 November.

The standard of performance and level of professionalism was so incredibly high from these talented young musicians. Rangi Ruru's music scholars play a pivotal role in the music department, and it was a pleasure to provide this opportunity for them to showcase their talents as soloists to the wider public.

On Thursday, 9 November Rangi Players joined The Cathedral Grammar School Orchestra for our annual music exchange. This year held at The Cathedral Grammar School, the young musicians enjoyed a morning of combined rehearsals. This was followed by an early evening concert to parents where each orchestra performed some pieces on their own, concluding with the combined music rehearsed in the morning.

The opportunity to collaborate, make music together and forge new friendships is an excellent example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The music challenged some of the students but having the opportunity to play in a much larger group meant that they felt supported and more comfortable with taking risks with their playing - which certainly paid off. Thank you to Mr Chris Adams, Director of Music at Cathedral Grammar, and music teacher Mrs Nicola Holt for facilitating this important event in our music calendar.

Music Congratulations to Abby Fleming and Elise Tian
Year 9 Stellar Music Scholar Abby Fleming has just been awarded her ATCL diploma on the piano. She also won her tenor drum competition at the Hororata Highland Games, and has been awarded a scholarship for the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Summer School NZPBA held in Christchurch in January 2024. This school attracts pipe band players from all over New Zealand and Australia. Abby has had a fantastic musical year - she is currently preparing for her Grade 8 flute examination, and took out the best saxophone player award at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival at the start of Term 3. Amazing work, well done!

Year 10 Stellar Music Scholar Elise Tian performed her first solo cello recital as part of the Rising Stars concert series in the Great Hall on 7 November. She performed, with much acclaim, Elgar's demanding and universally loved Cello Concerto, along with three movements from Bach's Cello Suite No 3 in C major, and Popper's Spinning Song - all from memory. Elise has just recorded this programme for her LTCL cello diploma, and has recently returned from international cello schools in Austria and Italy. Congratulations Elise on a stunning finish to a big musical year!