arts prefect corner

2023 John McGlashan College
Head Arts Prefect:
Qwenton McKenzie


Hey, Qwenton McKenzie here. Yes, THAT Qwenton McKenzie. You have no idea what I'm talking about? Right, well I am the Arts prefect for 2023. 


My main position in the school to do with arts is my involvement with the pipe band. I have been playing bagpipes for around 7 years now and I have been the school piper since my first year at John McGlashan College in 2017. I also had a brief stint playing the piano for 10 years from 2010 to 2020, which I put on hold to pursue my black belt in Seido Karate.


I strongly believe that everyone should partake in some sort of art whether it be playing an instrument, or painting, or photography, because the arts are just as important as being good at a sport. The reason I think the arts are so important is because they are in everything we consume from a day to day basis and I think we should maybe appreciate that a little bit more. I look forward to seeing what this year has in store for the art department. See you round.


2023 John McGlashan College
Deputy Arts Prefect:
Rylan Urquhart


Hi, my name is Rylan Urquhart and I am the Deputy Arts Prefect, alongside my main role as the school’s Chapel Prefect for 2023. I am a year 13 student at John McGlashan, and I take both Music and Drama. I started playing guitar and singing at the age of 7 and over the years I have picked up a few other instruments such as bass and drums. I enjoy playing gigs and this is something I try to do as often as I can.


Over my time at John McGlashan I have taken part in RockQuest, Bandquest, and the Dunedin Youth Jazz Competition, and for the first time this year I have taken part in the big sing as a guitarist for the choir. I also teach guitar and bass lessons to some students around the school. One of my highlights of my time in the arts at John McGlashan has been my music classes and guitar lessons with Mr McNulty, and my senior devising drama performances. 


The arts are an important part of the character of John McGlashan, and they are something for everyone. Everybody can take a part in the arts, whether through creating or appreciating them. I would highly encourage everybody around the school to get involved with the arts to some degree, because they are all around us, and they play a very big role in our culture. I look forward to seeing where the arts will take John McGlashan as a school in 2023.