MUSIC And the beat goes on
Seven fledgling organists, a new waiata, 18 contemporary College bands, and hopefully the thrill of House Music returning to the Christchurch Town Hall … music is alive and well at College and an intrinsic part of school life.
The fact that seven boys want to learn to play the organ is unheralded in recent times, although organ music is part of a strong tradition – in Chapel and through Congers – and an integral part of the College experience. College organist and Music teacher Nick Sutcliffe says being an organist is not just about playing your own music. “It’s about leading and working with a big group of people. The organ is a collaborative instrument and it’s a wonderful instrument to sing to, as it has such a wholesome tone and full sound.” Mastering College’s three manual organ – its three keyboards, numerous buttons, foot pedals and playing aids, pipes and trumpets – requires great ability, with hands working independently across the keyboards and feet dancing over the pedals. The 2019 year wrapped up with a diversity of music featuring at both junior and senior prize-givings and proving a highlight at Carols on the Quad. The latter is a high-profile event, attended by the whole school community, and Director of Music Robert Aburn was delighted to be able to commission a work specially for the occasion. “Thanks to the generosity of the Rolleston family, we were able to debut our new waiata
‘Whakamanawa Ki Te Atua’ as a central work for Carols on the Quad. This is an incredibly special waiata, created for College by the Puanaki whanau, which the whole school is going to learn this year,” he says. The Chapel choristers – including 18 new trebles who add an exciting, dynamic sound and will be inducted in the first week of Term 2 – and Schola Cantorum are continuing their work, focusing on developing and expanding a range of repertoire. And although the annual Big Sing choral festival has been cancelled for 2020, there will be other opportunities that arise for the boys. Talented student musicians and small groups are showcased regularly through assembly performances, while the boys in the contemporary music programme, under the leadership of Nolan Hungerford, are polishing their musicianship and original works in readiness for performance and competition. In addition, the Big Band is in a rebuilding phase, working effectively to establish its repertoire for the year. The much-loved House Music competition is being rebranded the Parents’ Association House Music Festival and is scheduled to take place in the Christchurch Town Hall on Thursday 11 June. “The last time the contest was held there was before the earthquakes
in 2010, and our return to the world-class facility has been a long- awaited goal,” says Robert. The student-led and driven festival will again feature four distinct sections – a cappella, instrumental, choral and House backing group – and adding to the excitement this year is the news that the Christ’s College Parents’ Association has donated a new trophy, which will be awarded to the overall winner of all sections. Robert says this will be the 17th time he has been involved in House Music and it is always much anticipated and hugely enjoyed by the whole College community. “The fact we’re hopefully back in the Town Hall will be fantastic, brilliant for the boys to perform in that auditorium and a great venue for an audience to enjoy all the varied music the evening always produces.”
College Issue 38 2020
65
Made with FlippingBook Annual report