The Arts

Music Tuition 

Itinerant music tuition is available in the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, double bass, voice, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tenor horn, piano, piano keyboard, kit drumming, guitar, bass guitar and bagpipes. Individual and group lessons take place during class time. Some instruments are available for hire from the school. Many extra-curricular activities in music are available at school for vocal and instrumental students. Participation in such activities is a condition of tuition. Students who learn privately are welcome to join these ensembles and choral groups.

Choir 

The choir has a membership of about 25 voices, male and female. The choir sings a variety of songs, both in unison and in parts. Choir performances are given at school and at outside functions throughout the year.

Rock Bands

Currently there are a number of rock bands practising and performing regularly, both in the Senior School and the Junior School. The department is fortunate in having an excellent selection of band equipment including guitars, drum-kit, amplifiers, mixer and PA system, that all music groups make extensive use of. This equipment is available to all music students for use at intervals, lunch times and after school.

Chamber Groups 

Chamber Groups perform both within and outside the school. An important part of major events, such as prizegiving ceremonies, the Chamber Groups provides an opportunity for our many talented students to be heard by the school community and the wider public.

Drama/Dance Activities 

Rangiora High School performs in various drama and dance activities and competitions throughout the school year. Students have been involved in Show Quest, The Crash Bash Challenge, Lip Sync, the Secondary Schools’ Shakespeare Festival. In the last few years, the school has achieved national success in Show Quest and regional success in the Shakespeare Festival.

Production 

The school regularly stages a major musical production, which involves the talents of around 120 students and 15 or more staff members. Much care is taken to choose shows which will enable the participation of as many students as possible from all levels and of all talents and abilities. These shows make possible the development of many skills: acting, singing or dancing on stage, playing in the band or orchestra, applying makeup, designing and fitting costumes, building and painting scenery, sound and lighting design and front of house responsibilities. Recent productions have included Bugsy Malone, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Disco Explosion ‘78, Grease, Back to the 80’s, For Today, Rent, Into the Woods, and High School Musical.