Nick Coxon – the music man O riginally from Manchester, Nick Coxon came to New rock to jazz, and both Sam and Elmore were
Zealand in 2000, was awarded a position at Christ’s College six months later, and never left. The former Head of Instrumental Music taught in state schools in England, and as a musician played professionally in orchestras both there and briefly in Auckland. At College Nick taught Music, Social Studies and Religious Education for 21 years. “This is the first time I’ve ever worked in a private school, so I have no means of comparison with any other in New Zealand, but it has been a very enjoyable career, especially working with really good instrumentalists, and moulding them and making their lives more enriching through music,” he says. Nick recalls the joy of seeing students like
always focused on making music their life.” Nick says young boys see instrumental music as new and challenging and are keen to give it a go – “for the more talented, it’s their life”.
“Often it’s the boys who achieve well in Music that are on
Jazz Festival in Blenheim. Both Nick’s sons attended College. In retirement, he will spend lots of time with two new grandchildren, as well as learning to cook “more confidently”. He will miss much about College, especially the group of colleagues who share his mindset, and the big moments involving music.
top of everything else as well. They’re often highly talented all- rounders.” Nick has been particularly happy to have contributed to the school’s orchestra and the chamber orchestra, and to have seen the formation of a Big Band and Jazz Combo. Both won a Gold Award at the 2021 Southern Jam
Tim Sellars, Sam Pryor and Elmore Jones advance on to professional musical careers. “With Tim, I managed to change his mindset from
Instrumental Music teacher Nick Coxon (left) with Rev. Bosco Peters.
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