The Music Department offers a diverse range of musical opportunities at all year levels. It prides itself on the high calibre of music staff, most of whom are practising musicians and industry professionals.
Curriculum
Students study a core course in music in Year 7 and can take music as an option from Year 8. From Years 11-13, students have the option of studying NCEA Music (Classical and Jazz) or Music Projects (Rock and Contemporary) or International Baccalaureate Music.
The Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern
Saint Kentigern Pipes and Drums have taken on the role of cultural ambassadors for Saint Kentigern since 1958; performing at ceremonial occasions on all campuses, welcoming guests to the College and lending support to our top sporting teams at important events.
The band regularly appears in public in and around the Auckland area. Also travelling much further afield to compete, they make their pilgrimage to Scotland to tour, perform and take part in Scottish competitions and Tattoos and more recently, the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland.
Wearing the Hunting McFarlan tartan in honour of our founding Headmaster, the Pipes and Drums are a special cultural feature and a proud tradition at the College. Saint Kentigern is one of only three Colleges in New Zealand to offer tuition in both Piping and drumming.
Music Ensembles
- ORCHESTRA – Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, String Ensemble
- BAND – Concert Band, Symphonic Band
- CHAMBER GROUPS – Trios, Quartets Quintets, Octets
- CHOIR – Kentoris Premier Choir, Kentatonix Junior Choir
- JAZZ – Big Band, Stage Band, Jazz Combos
- PIPE – Pipe bands 1, 2 and drums
- ROCK– Rock bands
- PRODUCTION BAND - accompanying the school productions
Music Events
We host biannual and annual events for our music students and welcome their friends and families to come along and enjoy.
- Jazz Café
- Choral Showcase
- Chamber Music Showcase
- Rock Showcase
- Music Gala
- Solo Music Competition
- Middle School Music Evening
- House Music
- Rock the Quad
- Small Ensembles for Uxbridge @ 12
House Music
Our annual, sell-out House Music Evening brings seven large House Choirs and one from the boarding house with over 200 students per choir, together to the stage, all vying for the coveted House Music Cup.
Each House also showcases their most talented musicians in the ‘band’ competition. This is always a fun evening for students and parents alike - in honour of their love of singing and the thrill of performing in a professional venue.
Our Music Ensembles Successes
With some of the best music directors in Auckland, our premier ensembles have achieved the following results:
- Chamber Music Contest - National semi finalists 2019-2022, as a fully Saint Kentigern College formed group. National Runner Up 2021, KBB Music Award, People’s Choice Award, Best Performance of a NZ Work
- Big Sing Auckland Regional - Runner-Up, Best SATB choir
- Big Sing National Finale - Silver Award 2018-2019
- National Concert Band Festival - Gold Award 2019
- Rockquest Auckland Regional finalists 2022
- National Jazz Festival – Gold for Big Band & Jazz Combo 2021-22
- Matamata Music Festival - Gold for Concert Band 2021
- KBB Music Festival - 2021 Gold Award and Gala Performance for Big Band and Concert Band; 2022 Gold Award, Gala Performance and Best Soloist Awards for Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Big Band
- Percussion Quartet National Chamber Contest Finals
Private Lessons
We offer lessons in the following:
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Bassoon
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Euphonium
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Pipes & Drums
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Trumpet
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Cello
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Flute
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Percussion
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Tuba
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Clarinet
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French Horn
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Piano
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Viola
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Double Bass
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Guitar
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Saxophone
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Violin
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Drum Kit
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Oboe
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Trombone
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Voice
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