MUSIC
CURRICULAR MUSIC
9 MUSIC EXTENSION
This course is designed for students who have a particular interest in Music, especially who would like to continue with Music studies beyond Year 9. Music Extension is designed for students who have some prior experience in instrumental, vocals, song-writing or composition. Students will learn the history of popular music, general music theory and aural skills, compositional techniques, and perform in solo and group settings.
9 MUSIC ROTATION
This course is a broad introduction to the Music pathway at Takapuna Grammar School and will provide all Year 9 students with basic musical knowledge. This rotation differs from the extension programme and does not require any prior experience in music. Students will learn the history of popular music, general music theory, instruments of the orchestra, and guitar skills. This is an option within the year 9, non-core subject rotation programme only. Participation in this course depends on timetabling and capacity considerations.
10 MUSIC - CONTEMPORARY
This course is for anyone interested in learning more about Music. It is designed for students with a particular interest in Contemporary/Pop Music. Prior musical experience is recommended, but not essential.
The course encompasses group and solo performance skills, Music theory, Music history, and song-writing.
Additional Requirements: It is recommended that students are enrolled in the itinerant music programme.
10 MUSIC - CLASSICAL
This course is for anyone interested in learning more about Music. It is designed for students who have prior experience playing an instrument and/or have a particular interest in Classical ensembles, Jazz, or Classical Music. The course encompasses group and solo performance skills, Music theory, Music history, and composition.
Additional Requirements: It is recommended that students have one year of prior learning on an instrument and be enrolled in the itinerant music programme.
SENIOR LEVEL MUSIC (Years 11-12)
Music is a fundamental and precious human expression. Students explore the question “What is Music?” through composition, solo and collaborative performance and the study of music history to find their individual voice. We value the musical heritages of New Zealand’s diverse cultures. Students progress through increasingly higher levels of understanding and skill development toward scholarship and tertiary study.
MUSIC 101 (Year 11)
Students will analyse two substantial pieces of music from different time periods of music history and use this knowledge to compose two original songs. Study of music theory and aural skills will be incorporated into the course materials. Students will also perform alone and with a group.
Additional Requirements: It is recommended that students have played an instrument for one year prior to this course and be enrolled in the itinerant music programme.
MUSIC 201 (Year 12)
Students perform music of their choice alone and in a group setting. Learning a second instrument is encouraged. Level two students look at creating an instrumentation for a song of their choice and investigate an aspect of New Zealand music that interests them. Study of music theory and aural skills will be incorporated into the course materials.
Additional Requirements: It is recommended that students have played an instrument for two years prior to this course and be enrolled in the itinerant music programme.
MUSIC 301 (Year 13)
Students build the music course of their choice and create an action plan to success alongside the teacher. Choices for study include performance alone or with others, performance on a second instrument, composing, song-writing, research, analysis of music works, harmonic and tonal analysis, contextual analysis, and arranging.
This course is open to Level 3 students who have completed a MUT course.
Additional Requirements: It is recommended that students have played an instrument for three years prior to this course and be enrolled in the itinerant music programme.
CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC
BANDS
We have a range of bands which students may take part in:
Development Concert Band
Concert Band (auditioned)
Jazz Band
String Ensemble
Orchestra
Rock Bands
Our groups take part in the annual KBB Music Festival, and Smokefree Rockquest where appropriate.
CHOIRS
Takapuna Grammar School choirs take part in annual choir festivals and competitions, as well as performances within the school and community, and they attend an annual choir camp. Over the past five years, our premier choirs have gained a place in the top 24 secondary school choirs nationally, representing TGS at the NZ Choral Federation Big Sing National Finale.
TGS Choirs:
Taka Crooners - upper voices choir
Sultans of Sing - lower voices choir
Leonessa - premiere upper voices choir (auditioned)
TGS Chorale - premiere mixed voice choir (auditioned)
Auditions for premiere choirs take place at the end of the school year.
Rehearsals for all choirs are after school.
ITINERANT MUSIC LESSONS
We offer half-hour music lessons during the school day, during term time for the following instruments:
Flute
Guitar - Contemporary
Guitar - Classical, Finger-picking style
Bass Guitar
Oboe
Trombone
Trumpet
Euphonium
Tuba
Singing
Singing - Musical Theatre
Drums
Violin
Viola
Piano
Saxophone
Clarinet
Rock Bands
Lessons are either individual or group lessons. Registration for lessons opens in Term 4.