Music

music department

The Music Department is housed in the original Rathkeale Homestead, and we aim to make the most of our fantastic surroundings and facilities.

Performing

Boys at Rathkeale are involved in a wide range of musical activities outside the classroom. Ensembles which rehearse and perform regularly include the funk/jazz band ‘Sforzando’, a Concert Band, various rock groups, the Boys’ Choir for any boys, and the auditioned choir ‘Viva Camerata’. Performances take place in school as well as the local community.

Learning

An increasing number of boys learn a musical instrument from our team of specialist tutors. Currently instrumental lessons are available on the violin, cello, double bass, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, voice, acoustic guitar and electric/bass guitars. We will find a teacher for a boy who would like to learn an instrument not already catered for!

Competing

Boys compete in the annual Smokefree Rockquest competition, and Viva Camerata and the Boys’ Choir compete in the Big Sing Competition. All boys at Rathkeale take part in the annual House Music Competition at the end of Term 3, perhaps the biggest of all the various inter- house activities that take place during the year. The high standard of singing and instrumental performance at this event reflects the depth of talent and enthusiasm for music which exists at the school.

A strong link exists between music and drama and highly successful productions are staged with students from Senior College and Rathkeale. These productions are always hugely popular with families and the wider community, usually showing to full houses over 5 nights as well as a matinee for schools and Rest Homes. 

Drama

drama

Drama at Rathkeale

We offer a full and exciting programme of drama at Rathkeale. The opportunities for boys to succeed and perform are many and varied.

Significant opportunities to perform are provided outside the regular drama classes. The Regional Otago University Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival has seen many successful productions selected for the National Festival and students are regularly chosen to be part of the New Zealand Young Shakespeare Company.

Each year a major production is staged. Frequently this is a musical involving very large casts, although we sometimes present a drama. These productions aim to deliver a very high standard of performance in all areas, including set, costume, lighting and sound. Students can be involved in all aspects of production.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Inter-collegiate Theatresports competition. This is often a chance for junior students to try out their improvisation skills in the manner of the television show; Whose Line is it Anyway.

Recent Productions

2021 JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

2019 GUYS AND DOLLS

2018 THE END OF THE GOLDEN WEATHER

2017 OUR HOUSE

2016 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

 

Māori Performing Arts

Māori Performing Arts