Motueka High School

2023 Upcoming Events

Instrument and vocal lessons have started with many students taking up the opportunity to have free lessons on guitar, bass, voice, clarinet, saxophone and flute. We need a new piano tutor so if anyone knows of a tutor who enjoys working with teenagers, please let me know.

Marie Willis is a new tutor giving woodwind lessons in flute, clarinet and saxophone. She is also teaching one group piano. Marie is trained in Dalcroze Eurhythmics and practiced as a Registered Music Therapist for 10 years (UK and NZ). She is a very welcome addition to the Music department.

Bret Holland is another new tutor and teaches guitar. He completed the Jazz Diploma at Wellington Music Conservatorium and teaches guitar, bass, ukulele, composition and song writing around the Nelson/ Tasman region.

Other tutors are Arrion Love: guitar and bass, Martin Genet: drums, Hilary Sinclair: voice. I’d also like to get our brass tutor back so I would like to hear from anyone who would like to learn trumpet, trombone or horn.

There are some places still available for lessons so please contact Ms Sinclair if you are interested.

The auditioned choir, Suono Bellissimo, and all-comers choir Motueka Singers have also made a start. Anyone can join the all-comers choir, just come along at 1.15pm on Thursday. See Ms Sinclair if you would like to audition for Suono. Suono rehearse 3.20 – 5.00 on Tuesdays.

There are many upcoming Music events:

Lunchtime concerts in the Quad
NCEA Solo Performance concert end of Term 1
6 April - Primary schools Music Tour
Hookline and Singalong Composition competition
NZMC Music Mentor
May Music Month - lunchtime concerts in the Motueka library
The Big Sing in Blenheim
Chamber Music Competition
Rockquest and Tangata Beats
Play it Strange composition competitions
Talent Quest

Julia Deans at MHS

The Music Department was lucky again this year to apply for and get a Music Mentor from the NZ Music Commission's Musicians Mentoring Program.

Julia Dean spent two days working with the 10 entries in last year's Rockquest which was on Friday 10 June. This is a record number of entries as the most we have had in any other year is 3. There are 4 bands and 6 solo / duos with 2 of those entering Tangata Beats. The vast majority of students are also first time entrants so it is an exciting time for them. The participants must compose their own songs. If they get through to the regional final they submit a video of a second song.

Julia was happy to share her knowledge of music, her process when performing and composing as well as being a professional musician.

The main aims of The Big Sing are to:

encourage enjoyment in singing and foster excellence in performance
enable school choirs to participate in and be exposed to high-quality choral music in a supportive and professional setting
increase understanding and appreciation of Maori vocal music and performance styles
provide opportunities for students to lead choirs and develop conducting skills
provide professional development for choir directors via adjudication and feedback, as well as mentoring and networking with other choral leaders
provide opportunities for New Zealand composers to have their works performed in public to a high standard
encourage budding composers through the SOUNZ-NZCF competitions.

You can follow The Big Sing on Facebook or on www.nzcf.org.nz

The Big Sing 2021 result:

Suono Bellissimo - Commended award and Spirit of the Festival - Youth Ambassadors Award