Music is an essential part of the Rangi experience. The majority of Rangi girls are involved in music at some level and at Rangi Ruru there are musical opportunities created for girls whatever their interest in music.

There are a wide range of music co-curricular activities offered at Rangi Ruru.  Through these activities girls have many opportunities to develop and display their musical talents, in groups and as soloists, at assemblies and services, school productions and events, representative events and competitions. Formal and informal music evenings are held throughout the year for parents and friends.
Music groups include a Senior and Junior Chorale, Barbershop groups, a Senior and Intermediate School Orchestra, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Chamber music groups, Percussion Ensembles and Rock bands.  Girls interested in musical performance are encouraged to join one or more of the above groups offered by the Music Department, or to form their own group as they wish.

The Music Department has excellent facilities, which includes two teaching classrooms, office space, teacher resource room, rehearsal spaces, seven practice and teaching studios, a fully equipped recording studio and a computer suite. The computer suite houses a class set of computers and keyboards and is primarily used to teach composition at all levels. Through the use of Sibelius notation software, many girls have developed a talent for music composition. Other music software such as Auralia and Musition, is also used with classes.

Itinerant Lessons

Tuition in a wide range of instruments (including orchestral, rock and jazz instruments), keyboard (piano, jazz piano, electronic keyboard and pipe organ) and voice (both classical and contemporary) is offered to girls wishing to further develop their music skills outside of the classroom and extra curricular music programmes.  This tuition is taken on a one to one basis by specialist music tutors.  Further information and enrolment forms are available from the school office or from the Director of Music.

CHORAL MUSIC

Resolutions:  This group is an auditioned senior chorale for girls in Years 11to 13 and has a very high profile, both at Rangi Ruru and in the wider community. 

They have been successful in obtaining both Silver and Bronze awards at the National Choral Federation BIG SING Finale in recent years.

During 2005, they participated in the Aurora International Performing Arts Festival where they were the only choir to win a Gold award.  They have also recorded for CTV.  

In April 2006, Resolutions travelled to Italy to compete in the “Concourse Corale Internazionale” where they won their section and were awarded Silver overall. They toured Italy and gave concerts in Venice, Florence and Umbertide.

In 2008, they performed with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and travelled to Dunedin for workshops and a lunchhour performance in St Paul’s Cathedral.

Junior Chorale:  This group is an auditioned choir of Years 9 and 10 girls. It is an important training group for those who wish to go on to audition for Resolutions.  This choir also performs regularly at school and community functions, as well as taking part in the BIG SING Choral Festival.

Barbershop Groups:  Girls who have an interest in Barbershop singing are encouraged to form quartets, and may also join the Barbershop Chorus.  Groups participate in Regional competitions, and in recent years our senior barbershop groups have been placed in National competitions.
Rehearsals: by arrangement

Intermediate School Choir:  This is an auditioned choir of some 50 girls, who perform at a number of school functions, as well as outside the school at Kids in Town and other community events.
Rehearsal:  Wednesday before school

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 

Intermediate School Orchestra: This group is for girls who play an instrument in Years 7 and 8.  All instrumentalists in the Intermediate School are encouraged to participate in this orchestra, regardless of their standard of playing.  It provides a valuable training ground for girls to go on to the Concert Band and Rangi Sinfonia.  

Rangi Sinfonia: This is Rangi’s Senior Orchestra which performs at various school functions.  It is open to string players from about Grade 3 up, with a limited number of auditioned places for wind, brass and percussionists.  The orchestra participates in the non competitive Christchurch Secondary Schools’ Orchestral Festival in Term 3 of each year, gives an annual public concert in a central city location, and is involved in other community events. 

During 2005, they were the only orchestra to win a Gold award at the Aurora International Performing Arts Festival held in Christchurch.

Concert Band:  An all-comers band for wind, brass and percussionists at all levels.  This group performs at school functions and also participates in the annual Concert Band Festival, where they have received Bronze awards in recent  years.

Jazz Band:  is open to girls by audition.  This group has a high profile in the school, and also performs at a number of community functions.  The group has competed in both the  Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival and CPIT Jazz Quest in recent years, winning both Silver and Gold awards in addition to a number of individual awards. They have also recorded for CTV.
Rehearsal:  Tuesday lunchtime, Friday 3.45 – 5.00pm

Other smaller instrumental groups are formed according to the interests of the girls.  Chamber music groups participate in the Regional Chamber Music Competition each year with groups selected for the regional finals in 2006 and 2007. Rock bands are encouraged to participate in Rockquest and Battle of the Bands, and several girls have been successful in winning places in the top 40 of the secondary school song writing competition ‘Play it Strange’.  As well there are established percussion, saxophone and guitar ensembles. 

Artists in Residence

In 2006, we were fortunate to have Roanna Cooper as our Artist in Residence in percussion, and in 2009 we had Dr Philip Norman as an Artist in Residence in composition.