The Power of Collaboration

It’s hard to believe that Term 1 has already come to an end. This time of year in the music department is less about performing and more about laying the groundwork - building our ensembles, discovering and learning repertoire, establishing routines, and setting our sights on future goals.

As in past years, the term concluded with the Rangi Ruru, St Margaret’s College, and Christ’s College Orchestra Extravaganza - more on that later. Reflecting on this event, I am reminded that music, in all its forms, is a collective art. The true magic happens when young musicians learn, grow, and create together, working towards a shared musical vision. A great performance is more than just individual talent—it’s the synergy of every musician contributing their unique voice. Each member plays a vital role, proving that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Beyond the music itself, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. It fosters connection, support, and friendship, strengthening both the performance and the people behind it. In an environment of trust and shared passion, musicians inspire one another, elevating their craft and creating something truly unforgettable.

What a wonderful way to finish the term!

My best wishes to you all for a relaxing and refreshing term break with whānau and friends.

Janet Kingsbury

Director of Music

NZSSSO

Congratulations to the following students who have successfully auditioned for the 2025 New Zealand Secondary Schools' Symphony Orchestra (NZSSSO):

• Violin 1 - Hayley Jiang, Katherine Wang, Cheryl Cheng

• Cello - Elise Tian, Honor Barry

• Co-Principal Horn - Jessica Drury

• Percussion - Keina Rollinson (Principal), Tiantian Chen, Ivy Liu

• Harp - Erica Du

The NZSSSO offers a valuable opportunity for some of New Zealand’s top secondary school orchestral musicians to represent their school, and to gain experience playing full scale works in a symphony orchestra. It is widely regarded as a significant training ground for young players aspiring to membership of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra and beyond.

These talented Rangi Ruru musicians will join around 100 secondary school aged orchestral players from all over New Zealand for a week of rehearsals and performances in Christchurch during the third week of our Term 1 break, with the final performance on Saturday, 26 April, 7pm at the McCombs Performing Arts Centre at Cashmere High School. You can get tickets via this link.

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Opportunities

Year 9 Stellar Music Scholar, Bella Wu, has been accepted for the Foundations Youth Mentoring Programme with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO).  Bella will be mentored by the CSO Principal Flautist, Hye-Won Suh, through individual lessons and opportunities to engage in discussions that will assist Bella with her ongoing development as a musician. This is a wonderful opportunity for Bella, and we congratulate her on this selection.

Two of our senior music scholars also have a close association with the CSO.  Cellists and music scholars, Keina Rollinson (Year 13) and Elise Tian (Year 12) are contracted professional players with the orchestra and will be rehearsing and performing in selected concerts during the year. 

Orchestra Extravaganza

It was once again a privilege to be part of the annual Orchestra Extravaganza on Wednesday evening - a combined event for the orchestras from Rangi Ruru, Christ's College and St Margaret's College.

This was a fantastic afternoon and evening of music making. During the afternoon the combined orchestras rehearsed an arrangement of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue - a work which challenged us all to bring our very best and work together towards what was an impressive performance. In addition the combined string sections worked on a two smaller works for string orchestra. There was also time for sectionals, for students to get to know each other, and an always highly anticipated and delicious dinner in the Christ's College dining room. 

The evening concert to whānau and friends was very well attended and included items by each individual orchestra alongside the combined items. We were very proud of Rangi Sinfonia in both the high quality of the music making, particularly in our own performance, and the professionalism and inclusiveness shown throughout the afternoon.

A big thanks to Christ's College for their manaakitanga in hosting us, and to the music staff and students from the three schools for the great team work and exciting music making!