“For me, the musicianship is
The boys are also fortunate to have external tutors and “a fabulous group of parents actively encouraging and working with students to facilitate that excellence”, particularly in chamber music. “We have gone from virtually no performances of chamber music over the years to five groups this year – two of which have made the Chamber Music Contest South Island finals, which is outstanding. That has come about through perseverance, striving for musical excellence, and by providing the repertoire that best aligns with the boys. I think the last time we were at the national finals for chamber music was in 2006.” College choirs Chapel Choir and Schola Cantorum have also done “exceptionally well at the Big Sing competition”. “At this year’s Big Sing, it was the only time we had every member available because of the disruptions of Covid-19 and influenza. We regularly win but the recent regional awards are affirmation of the hard work put in by the boys.” College always creates opportunities for the boys to perform, including solo and group musical items at the weekly School Assembly. “I think we are incredibly lucky to also have the Chapel worship because we are regularly singing and working together. With Big Sing and community events, we provide those professional opportunities. We have very high standards, but the boys meet
those standards. We also offer special occasions such as the Service of Choral Evensong to honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, ensuring that the boys can perform at a higher level.” All boys – no matter their ability – take part in the Parents’ Association House Music Festival, vying for House honours. “It’s an opportunity for the entire school to come together and the boys certainly rise to the occasion. Those in the choir or instrumental groups lift the standard of each House for this highly competitive evening at the Christchurch Town Hall.” Robert also cites the holistic approach at Christ’s College as integral to post-school success. “With a holistic education, it is important that the top academics, sportsmen, and musicians are involved in other activities because employers want young men who have abilities in several areas. “It is important that they are not only a good musician but can work with people. Those skills are integral to success. For 88 boys in the choir to do the same actions and sing in incredible harmony also requires discipline. “For me, the musicianship is important but so is teaching the skills to work together and collaborate, along with ensuring diversity of music and catering for all musical expression – from classical to contemporary. Our new Christ’s College Diploma also emphasises creativity and boys creating their own musical works, which is a real strength.
important but so is teaching the skills to work together and collaborate, along with ensuring diversity of music and catering for all musical expression.”
“Some of the original songs produced under the
contemporary programme are incredible, reflecting a very high standard and enabling more boys to reach the finals of Rockquest. “Our big band and jazz members also regularly take out the top prizes at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival in Blenheim.” In every musical genre, Robert expects the highest standards of execution. “The boys love a challenge, and my job is to facilitate that ability to achieve high standards of excellence. “We also bring in professionals to work with the boys but allow students to make the final decision on what works best. It is ultimately their performance and that is what brings out the best in the boys.” College encourages the boys to share their talents, take others along the musical journey and inspire through performance, engagement, and interaction – and the power of music.
COLLEGE 2022
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