From the Music Suite at St John's College . . .
CURRICULAR MUSIC
The Music Department delivers balanced programmes of study across performance, composition, research and analysis with the aim of producing musicians who can walk the walk and talk the talk, who are respected for their knowledge and talents and who respect others for their skills. Tertiary institutions and employers from a variety of industries are keen to take on those who have included music in their NCEA studies as they acknowledge the individual determination, diligence, trust, teamwork and mutual respect music develops.
The Junior Music Programme covers the nuts and bolts of music through mostly practical and digital learning. Students develop keyboard skills as well on their chosen instruments. Students use computers – particularly the Sibelius notation program – to compose short pieces in a number of styles such as Rocket Launch and 8-bar Rock Piece. Years 10 and 11 are supported by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music system to understand chords, terminology and how notes work together. This has proven to accelerate students as composers and players and they can then sit the ABRSM examination and receive certification from this internationally-renowned organisation. As part of a wider Arts delivery, Drama is also taught for one of the five Year 9 Option Music lessons. It is delivered in accordance with Level 4 of the National Curriculum and is mostly held in the Performing Arts Hall. The programme identifies and strengthens each boy’s personality, where everyone is equal, positively contributes and develops confidence and mutual respect. Altogether, the Junior Programme complements and contributes to the traits of the St. John’s young man.
The Senior Music Programme allows more autonomy for students’ composition, performance and research topics. Students can also continue the ABRSM grades and overall, enjoy working together with now seasoned and like-minded musicians. From Year 12, students can elect to study academic music without performing, focussing on credits for composition, research and analysis. Click this link to see the Music Matrix of NCEA Achievement Standards:
NCEA Music Matrix
Christopher Wilson
BA(Hons), PGCE, FGMS, HonFNCM
Director of Music
cwilson@stjohns.school.nz
The Music Department delivers balanced programmes of study across performance, composition, research and analysis with the aim of producing musicians who can walk the walk and talk the talk, who are respected for their knowledge and talents and who respect others for their skills. Tertiary institutions and employers from a variety of industries are keen to take on those who have included music in their NCEA studies as they acknowledge the individual determination, diligence, trust, teamwork and mutual respect music develops.
The Junior Music Programme covers the nuts and bolts of music through mostly practical and digital learning. Students develop keyboard skills as well on their chosen instruments. Students use computers – particularly the Sibelius notation program – to compose short pieces in a number of styles such as Rocket Launch and 8-bar Rock Piece. Years 10 and 11 are supported by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music system to understand chords, terminology and how notes work together. This has proven to accelerate students as composers and players and they can then sit the ABRSM examination and receive certification from this internationally-renowned organisation. As part of a wider Arts delivery, Drama is also taught for one of the five Year 9 Option Music lessons. It is delivered in accordance with Level 4 of the National Curriculum and is mostly held in the Performing Arts Hall. The programme identifies and strengthens each boy’s personality, where everyone is equal, positively contributes and develops confidence and mutual respect. Altogether, the Junior Programme complements and contributes to the traits of the St. John’s young man.
The Senior Music Programme allows more autonomy for students’ composition, performance and research topics. Students can also continue the ABRSM grades and overall, enjoy working together with now seasoned and like-minded musicians. From Year 12, students can elect to study academic music without performing, focussing on credits for composition, research and analysis. Click this link to see the Music Matrix of NCEA Achievement Standards:
NCEA Music Matrix
Christopher Wilson
BA(Hons), PGCE, FGMS, HonFNCM
Director of Music
cwilson@stjohns.school.nz
