HVHS Music Department

Year 11 and 13 performances

2010-06-04T09:55:00.002+12:00

Due to a change in some festival dates from what was advertised at the beginning of the year dates for both Year 11 and Year 13 performances have been shifted back one week only.

Year 13 Performances will be happening June 8th during class time, and 2nd compositions and 2nd arrangements are due June 11th by 10am.

Year 11 Performances are happening from Tues/Wed June 15th/16th during Spell One.

The Big Sing

2010-06-04T09:52:00.002+12:00

The Big Sing is Thursday June 10th.

Permission slips should be almost all in, and the $8 for the bus handed in to the Resource Center. As a special bonus this year the Music Department have paid your entry costs for you. Please make sure that you have sorted out your 'blacks' for this event, and that everything, including shoes, are clean.

Any queries please see me ASAP.

Manawatu Jazz Festival

2010-06-04T09:50:00.002+12:00

HVHS Stage Band

All permission slips and money should be in by now. Best wishes for the trip tomorrow, and treat Miss Lindsay to lots of love and lollies for taking you up. You need to be outside LSU at 9:50am to allow time to pack and leave.

Shona Laing

2009-08-08T21:59:00.001+12:00

It has been a while since I did a profile on an ex Hutt Valley High School student, so why not restart this section of my blog with a big name in New Zealand music! Meeting the very successful Shona Laing recently is probably the inspiration behind my blog revival.

The following has been taken directly from Shona's website, which you can get to by clicking on the title of this post.

Shona Laing has always had an ambiguous, sometimes turbulent relationship with the music industry (who hasn't). Integrity and respect have always been non-negotiable for Shona.

She is an intelligent and hugely talented singer/songwriter who surfaced as a result of extensive television exposure on the show New Faces in 1972 with her song 1905, dedicated to Henry Fonda.

Still a teenager she collected gold discs, Rata Awards and represented NZ (twice) in the Tokyo World Song Festival before relocating to the UK where, amongst other things, she was a member of Manfred Manns Earth Band.

Following her return to New Zealand she released a number of albums for both Pagan and Sony, as well as extensively touring Australia (Glad I'm Not A Kennedy was a number nine single there) and the USA where she supported Erasure. Shona has an extensive catalogue of material that not only spans three decades but continues to endure, and endures well! She has currently completed her new album "Pass the Whisper".

This is Shona's comments about her new albumn - "Some old songs are revisited including Kennedy and Soviet Snow. Other songs are as old but have only really found their place recently. It is all played, acoustic guitar-based, with the colour of penny whistle, Northumbrian pipes, bhodran (the Celtic drum), acoustic upright bass, brushes vocals.

The process of finding the players and the place and time has been so natural, no industry pressure at all and I feel it is the best work process Ive ever been through"

Don't miss out!

2009-08-01T16:19:00.004+12:00

Sound Unit Level 2

2009-08-01T16:16:00.002+12:00

The blue books should all be handed in. If you did not hand it in you will need a legitimate reason with a note, such as a medical certificate if you were sick. A reminder that if you did not hand this in you will no longer be able to continue with Level 3 PA and recording standards.

A big list of congratulations.

2009-08-01T16:08:00.003+12:00

Congratulations to Jonny Hurn, Hayden Richardson, Leon Philipsen, Matt Steele and Cindy Xia. Jonny was placed in the Top 20 in the 2009 Play It Strange Songwriting competition for his song, 'Who am I'. Jonny won a $500 NZ Rockshop credit, a recording session, and his song will appear on the 2009 Play It Strange CD that will come out later in the year.

Hayden Richardson will be off to Christchurch the next school break as he has been offered a place as part of the 2009 New Zealand Secondary Schools Brass Band. Matt Steele and cultural captain, Leon Philipsen, have both successfully auditioned as members of 2009 New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra, which will be rehearsing and performing over the second week of October. During the last school break Cindy Xia competed in the Hutt Valley Music Competition, gaining four 1st's, including one for her NCEA Level 1 composition 'Moth', one 2nd, and she won the scholarship for 16 years and over.

Matt Steele - Legend!

2009-04-13T14:57:00.003+12:00

Most definitely no myth about Matt. This past weekend in Tauranga, Matt's band, 'Manner's Matter', which includes our fabulous Cultural Captain, Leon Philipsen, performed in the competitive Youth section of the National Jazz Festival.

Matt has walked away with THREE awards!
* KEN MITCHELL TROPHY - Best Original Composition
* BILL HOFFMEISTER TROPHY - Most Outstanding Pianist
* DEREK JACOMBS - Award for Innovation

Well done Matt, we are all so proud of you.

Legendary!

Gospel Choir

2009-04-13T14:56:00.000+12:00

Thursday 23rd April, 1 - 4:30pm.
Friday 24th April, 1 - 4pm.

Don't be late.

Volante Rehearsal

2009-04-13T14:55:00.000+12:00

Friday 24th April, 9am - 3pm.
Bring some lunch

Level 1 Sound Tech

2009-04-06T17:28:00.003+12:00

Well done to those that have completed everything. For those that have something yet to hand in I want these by Wednesday, so I can give you some marks before Easter. Please remember that this unit is a prerequisite for all future sound units, so there are some of you who need to put in a bit of time NOW!

Due Dates - Level 3

2009-03-31T12:05:00.003+13:00

By 10am Thursday April 9th the following is due to me:

Completed Composition 1
Completed Arrangement 1

Completed by this end of the holidays should be:
Context assignment (although you have a couple more weeks)
Sound - Blue book Level 2
First stage of Research assignment (some of you will be well into the time consuming second stage by this point if you are not doing Composition or Arrangement).

Due Dates Year 11

2009-03-31T12:02:00.002+13:00

Hebrides is now!
Composition draft is due no later than 4:45pm Thursday 9th April. This draft should be a copy (not an original), of your completed first composition. Draft means that there will still be things to complete or places to rework, but generally most things are done.

Hebrides Overture

2009-03-31T11:58:00.004+13:00

Assignment time. This in class assignment is a kind of a cross between a test and typical assignment. You are not allowed to take anything into the class spells, or out of it. However you can study in between time, using your memory of the questions to guide your study. The assignment goes over 4 and a bit spells.

Spell 3 Tuesday 31st March
Spell 4 Wednesday 1st April
Spell 5 Thursday 2nd April - only a couple of minutes each during usual practical spell.
Spell 2 Monday 6th April - Library
Spell 3 Tuesday 7th April - Library

The following is a video of the powerpoint given in class. There will be no sound attached but it gives you the reminders you might find useful.

Level 1 Sound - Element 3

2009-03-31T11:55:00.002+13:00

All presentations are due this Friday Spell 1, April 3rd. Presentations can occur in many ways, (written, visual, verbal,)just make sure you have all the information asked of you accurately and clearly stated.

Sound Technology

2009-03-10T14:44:00.002+13:00

Sorry, I have been a bit slack on making sure that this blog has been updated regularly this past month. I shall try to do better.

Element 1 should be complete, Element 2.1 should have been handed in and Element 2.2 should be done before Friday. That leaves us 2.3 and Element 3 to complete.

Please remember that you can get on and finish the lot by yourselves, however if work is not all in before the end of next week (Elements 1 and 2 worksheets) then I will not be marking the work. Good luck.

Check the Music Boards!

2009-02-15T15:11:00.000+13:00

This week's timetables are up and so is the Volante list.

Sound Unit Level 1 Element 1.1

2009-02-15T15:07:00.002+13:00

It was wonderful to see so many of you at my Friday morning class. I know getting out of bed early on a Friday for an optional class can be a strain, but I know that you will find it worthwhile.

Don't forget to hand in Element 1.1 this Monday, and collect Element 1.2 off me.

Welcome to 2009

2009-01-31T15:30:00.004+13:00

I hope everyone is well rested and looking forward to the new year. Just a reminder to all students wanting to learn music through the itinerant system at school, get your forms in by Wednesday of of Week 2, as new timetables will be going up for Week 3. I will do my best to place everybody but be aware priority is given to students taking classroom music first, then to Year 9 students, and then those who have previously been learning. Some instruments, such as guitar, bass and drums, have significant waiting lists, so if you are thinking of taking an instrument for the first time, I suggest you try your hand at something else. Please note that there are no keyboard/piano lessons offered at HVHS in 2009 for those not studying NCEA Music.

See you all soon.
Mrs D.

Year 11 Study Sessions

2008-11-18T10:38:00.003+13:00

All study sessions are optional and are there to help those who would like it.

Wednesday 19th 12:35 - 1:35 Aural and Score Reading
Friday 21st 9 - 10 Aural only
Monday 24th 1-2 Score Reading only
Wednesday 26th 11:35 - 1:35 Score Reading then Aural

Thursday 27th 9:30 - 12:30 Exam

Good luck Andrew

2008-10-16T22:30:00.005+13:00

Andrew Bruce is having a cracking year with his music. This weekend he is off to Queenstown to compete as a finalist in the AJ Hackett Bungy JumpStart jazz competition, and he has only just got back from the National Schools Jazz Orchestra!

He is in good company with this competition as fellow Groove Generation band member, Wallace Golan, has also got through to the finals.

Thanks also, Andrew, for this positive HVHS bit in the Hutt News.

Congratulations Damian Duffy

2008-10-16T22:27:00.002+13:00

Well done on being accepted into the MAINZ course in Christchurch next year. I hope you really enjoy it.

For any of you who want to know more about the Music and Audio Institute of NZ check out there website by clicking on the title of this blog entry.

Vocal Workshop

2008-10-16T22:24:00.003+13:00

Don't forget there is a workshop for all vocal students, those who take vocal lessons, Chorusline and Volante. It is this coming Wednesday 3:30 - 5pm

If you cannot make it please put in an apology form to me.

Thanks.

Volante - The Big Sing

2008-10-16T22:15:00.003+13:00

I have posted the video from this years Big Sing Festival.

Term 4 Week 1

2008-10-16T22:11:00.002+13:00

appoggiatura 'to lean upon' generally the note is given half the time value of the note it is in front of, if it is in front of a dotted note it might receive two thirds of the time.
acciaccatura 'crushed note' to play the note as quickly as possible, not giving it any definite time value.
trill, tr to rapidly alternate between the note and the note above, often ending in a turn.

Term 3 Week 10

2008-09-24T09:40:00.006+12:00

turn play the note, the note above, the note, the note below and the note again.
lower turn reverse movement of a turn
mordent note, note above, note
lower mordent note, note below, note

Year 11 & 13 Performance Timetable

2008-09-24T09:27:00.001+12:00

Wednesday 26th September 2008

All times are approximate and subject to change.

Everyone is welcome.

No-one is to leave or enter during a students’ performance. During the performance silence is required from the audience to ensure optimum performance conditions, this includes ensuring that cellphones and pagers are switched off. Thank you.

Approx. Time Name
6:40 Leon Philipsen
6:50 Nicholas Deller
6:55 Sian Davis, Tamara Diesch, Jazz Udall
7pm Chris Mulholland
7:05 Angeline Doran
7:10 Craig Parker
7:15 Zac Saunders
7:20 5 minute break to tidy up
7:25 Helen Wu
7:30 Tom Wollerman
7:40 Michael Jennings
7:45 Oneone Vea
7:50 Sian Davis
7:55 Raechel Okeroa-Garner
8pm Shinead de Bique Williams
8:05 Cindy Xia
8:15 Yao-Hong Chun
8:25 Matt Steele
8:35 Oneone Vea - group
8:40 Inari Evison
8:50 Andrew Bruce
9:05pm FINISH

Term 3 Week 7

2008-09-04T11:43:00.003+12:00

giocoso playful, merry
grave very slow, solemn
grazioso graceful
larghetto rather slow (but not as slow as largo)
largo slow, stately
ma but

Terms for Week 6 Term 3

2008-08-26T14:06:00.003+12:00

assai very (allegro assai - very quick)
con,col with
dolce sweet, soft
e, ed and
espressivo (or espress. or espr) expressive
fp (fortepiano) loud then immediately soft

Thanks

2008-08-22T20:58:00.002+12:00

Thank you to students and parents for all your hard work and support for the Music Festival this past Monday. Great night and I was really proud of all of you performers and helpers. Legendary.

Composition workshop update

2008-08-18T12:23:00.002+12:00

By Wednesday the following things should have happened;

First practise to have occured.
Second practise organised
Any rewrites completed.

Just over a week to go!

MUSIC FESTIVAL

2008-08-18T12:12:00.002+12:00

Adults $8
Students $5

7pm HVHS Hall.

Every student is to bring a plate of food to the pavilion between 6:30 and 6:45pm. Please bring it on a disposable plate, girls bring a savoury dish and boys something sweet to snack on.

Orchestra members need to be at school by 6:15pm
Everyone else should be there between 6:30 and 6:45pm.

Terms for Week 3 Term 3

2008-08-06T13:53:00.002+12:00

a at, to, by, for, in, in the style of
al, alla to the, in the manner of (alla marcia: in the style of a march)
allargando broadening (getting a little slower and probably a little louder)
andantino slightly faster than Andante (but may also mean slightly slower)

Friday Night has it all

2008-08-06T13:49:00.003+12:00

Groove Generation
Some other band
and AUTOZAMM!

All performing at Subnine, 7:30pm 9 Edwards St in town, across from McDonalds.
Tickets are on the door for a measley $10.

Rock on.

Hutt Performing Arts Competitions

2008-08-06T13:22:00.002+12:00

Congratulations to Cindy Xia, who won 3 of her classes in the piano 14 under 16 age category.
Piano solo
Romantic
Test Piece

National Schools Jazz Orchestra

2008-08-06T13:17:00.004+12:00

Congratulations to Leon Philipsen (bass)and Andrew Bruce (piano) for getting into this prestigious group. Well deserved!

Psst - Congratulations to the other members of Groove Generation as well.

Composition Workshop

2008-08-06T12:56:00.004+12:00

WARNING: There is a composition workshop for ALL senior music students coming up on Tuesday 26th August. Please check with your classroom teacher about your time slot. This includes; 11MU, 11CM, 12MU, 12CM and 13MU

Each senior student sitting composition standards is to present 1/2 their programme as a live performance for feedback from the audience and a visiting lecturer and composer, Mr Michael Norris. Click on the headline above for more information on Michael.

This week all senior students should have;
Asked other students to perform their work. Try to be the conductor and facilitator of your group and not a performer where at all possible.
Printed off parts (ensure that transposing instruments have transposing parts.)
Organised the first of at least two rehearsals with the group going to perform your composition.

Thank you

2008-07-21T21:34:00.003+12:00

A huge thanks to those of you who made it to this morning's powhiri, I was thrilled with the turnout to such a last minute occasion. I really appreciated your help and support, and I thought you did a fantastic job.

XXX

EMERGENCY - Choirs needed

2008-07-20T17:17:00.003+12:00

Hello Everyone,

This is an emergency call for tomorrow morning, the first Monday of term. We are wanted to sing in the powhiri for Mr Sinclair, the new principal, tomorrow. I have tried to get confirmation or a change but have not heard back from anyone in charge. What this means is that I need as many choristers as possible in Music Room 2 NO LATER than 8:30am tomorrow. I will have found out by then what is happening and it gives us 1/4 hour to learn a simple waiata.

Correct school uniform please.

Hopefully a few of you already know Te Aroha and E Toru Nga Mea. If not click on the header of this entry and it will take you to a website with both songs on it.

Could you please contact others to let them know the message I would appreciate it. I know this is last minute and I would appreciate all the help I can get on this one.

Thanks to everyone in advance.

See you tomorrow,
Mrs Davey.

Open Night

2008-06-27T22:54:00.003+12:00

This is on Tuesday, 1st July. String Orchestra and Matt, Hayden, and James' trio are playing. Matt is playing before hand in the hall from 5:45 - 6pm and everyone else needs to be in the department by 6pm.

Also thanks to Nic and Ben for volunteering to come and be visual aids, sort of.

Cheers

Volante - assembly

2008-06-27T21:54:00.002+12:00

Don't forget your uniforms on Wednesday. Please be in M2 on time for warm-ups. I am guessing it is at 8:15am but let me know if I am wrong.

YUM

2008-06-27T21:45:00.002+12:00

It's true!

NZ Secondary Schools Brass Band

2008-06-23T19:17:00.002+12:00

Congratulations to Penny Hooson who has got into the New Zealand Secondary Schools' Brass Band on Solo Cornet.

Also have a fantastic time in Brazil with the NZSSChoir next week.

Yay for you, and don't forget the photos.

Groove Generation

2008-06-23T19:07:00.003+12:00

Congratulations to Andrew Bruce and Leon Philipsen for their success over the weekend. Their band, Groove Generation, won the Wellington regional Rockquest.

Over the next couple of weeks they will be really busy working on a 15 minute video for their national final audition.

Week 8, Term 2

2008-06-23T18:51:00.003+12:00

rallentando (rall.) gradually getting slower
ritardando (ritard. or rit.) gradually getting slower
ritenuto (riten. or rit.) held back
staccato (stacc.) detached
tempo speed, time (a tempo; in time)

Level 1 Composition

2008-06-16T13:04:00.001+12:00

Your first composition is due at the end of this term. I do not need a recording yet but everything should be finished, parts printed and to the performers by the end of the term.

RESEARCH

2008-06-16T13:03:00.001+12:00

At the end of this term I should have received:
A copy of all your background research and a copy of your working bibliography
All your brainstorming
Your plans
Your question and refinements.

Arrangements

2008-06-16T13:01:00.001+12:00

The second of your two arrangements is due early next term. Both are to be recorded and handed in at this time, so make sure you are getting on with it, some of you should be getting parts out to players for your first arrangement.

Level 3 Composition

2008-06-16T13:00:00.004+12:00

Two compositions should be completed. You have until Friday Week 8 (next week) to hand both compostions in. You should be getting parts out to performers.

Level 3 EXAM

2008-06-16T12:58:00.002+12:00

Wednesday 18th June Spell 2

Andrew is doing an essay on an unseen score.
The rest of you will be completing 2 full questions out of three on Harmonic and Tonal analysis.

You should all be aware of the consequences for this one.

Week 7, Term 2

2008-06-16T12:54:00.003+12:00

fine the end
legato smoothly
lento slow
mezzo half
moderato moderately
poco a little

Week 6, Term 2

2008-06-09T12:08:00.002+12:00

cantabile in a singing style
crescendo (or cresc.) gradually getting louder
da capo (or D.C.) repeat from the beginning
dal segno (or D.S.) repeat from the sign
decrescendo (or decresc.) gradually getting quieter
diminuendo (or dim.) gradually getting quieter

The Big Sing

2008-06-08T13:36:00.003+12:00

Congratulations and thank you to all who sang in the Big Sing this week.

Penny Hooson and Alex Ross did a fantastic job with their conducting of Chorus Line. Chorus Line, I had so much fun with you and can't wait to do it again.

Congratulations to Volante, who won an award for Erev Shel Shoshanim. Beautifully sung, by a beautifully dressed choir. Thanks to Penny again for organising the new look for Volante.

Congratulations to Roger Stevenson, the conductor of Volante and vocal teacher at school, for winning the overall award for the Wellington Big Sing. Roger was involved either as a conductor or a accompanist for 6 choirs over the two days. He has contributed to secondary school choral music in Wellington over the past 14 years, previously conducting the NZSSC and doing a lot of choral work in the Hawkes Bay, and he is well known throughout the national choral community. Thank you for all your work Roger, and again congratulations.

I will post some pictures and hopefully some video later.

The Big Sing

2008-05-28T18:17:00.002+12:00

Could students of Volante and Chorus Line please pay the $20 to the office for this trip. There is a bus now going from outside HVHS at 8:30am June 5th, at no extra cost. Could parents please be at school to take you home by 10pm.

Tickets for the evening Gala Concert are available from Ticketek for $14/$7.

Peter Sharman

2008-05-26T17:49:00.003+12:00

Peter Sharman was born in Wellington, the eldest of four children of a well-known music teacher and a scientist. They were determined to create a string quartet and Peter was assigned the viola. Peter studied viola at Victoria University of Wellington but, after unsuccessfully attempting to realise the major horn solos on that instrument, decided to change to the french horn in second year. Peter joined the NZSO in 1984, making him currently the longest serving member of the brass section.

The highlight of Peter's NZSO career to date was performing in Seville in 1992. Peter's interests are wide ranging and include his two children, the outdoors, the sciences, curries, listening to music, and any combination of the above. One of the additional strings to Peter's bow is as a computer designer and in that capacity Peter has contributed to the development of orchestral software in use by the NZSO and a number of other orchestras.
http://www.impresario.cc/

Week 4, Term 2

2008-05-26T10:31:00.002+12:00

accelerando (accel.) gradually getting quicker
adagio slow
allegretto fairly quick (but not as quick as allegro)
allegro quick (literally 'cheerful')
andante at a medium ('walking') speed

Thanks Chorus Line

2008-05-22T20:42:00.002+12:00

To all of you who performed today, congratulations and thanks.

Next Thursday we are working from lunchtime until 4pm. Let me know if you have any problems.

For those of you wanting a CD of todays recording bring me in a CD-R to record it on, not a rewritable or anything. Thanks to Leon, Andrew and Mr Rutherford for doing the recording.

Using compositional devices

2008-05-22T12:03:00.002+12:00

Compose two original bars of music. Then use two compositional devices, from those we studied today, to extend your piece. Add 1 - 2 bars to complete the composition, a minimum of 8 bars required.

Due next Thursday.

Trombones Rule

2008-05-19T20:52:00.000+12:00

Chorus Line rehearsal

2008-05-16T20:26:00.002+12:00

Don't forget there is an extra practise this week, Wednesday lunchtime in M2, ready for singing in assembly on Thursday. Make sure you memorise all the words, particularly to Hine e Hine.

Thanks

Sound Unit Standards

2008-05-16T19:45:00.004+12:00

I am going to get some workbooks for those doing the Friday afternoon course. There are 6 standards possible to sit, and they need to be done progressively in order to meet prerequisites.

The workbooks for each of these papers will cost $25 each, although I do hope I will be able to do it for less. Please let me know if you are interested in doing credits in sound technology. For those of you in Year 12 you could space these credits out over the next two years.

The standards are:
Level 1
12822 2 credits Explain rudimentary principles of sound and electronics in relation to performing arts technology

Level 2
12823 2 credits Set up and disassemble small public address and recording systems for a performing arts situation
23729 4 Credits Demonstrate knowledge of, and operate digital music communication systems for a music performance

Level 3
12824 2 credits Describe the operation of public address and recording systems for a performing arts situation
12825 2 credits Operate and maintain a public address system for a performing arts situation
12826 2 credits Operate a recording system for a performing arts situation

Week 2/3 homework

2008-05-15T17:39:00.001+12:00

You are to write a two bar, 4 part melody, such as we are doing in class currently. Name all the chords you use, using Roman Numerals. Put in at least two passing notes. Do NOT use C major.

The Big Sing

2008-05-14T22:10:00.005+12:00

The regional choral festival is coming up. Both Volante and HVHS Chorus Line are performing on Thursday 5th June, and parents will be welcome to attend the Gala Concert in the evening.

The cost will $20 per student plus travel costs to and from the Wellington Town Hall. May I suggest you catch the bus, as it will take you all the way to the Cuba St stop. More information will be coming later.

Friday classes

2008-05-14T18:42:00.002+12:00

If learning how to use the sound studio and portable PA systems is something that interests you then please come and see me. There will be spots available for 5 students next term.

For those who have started in the Friday after school class, please don't forget to be at in M2 on Friday. If you can please bring me a blank DVD for some guff.

Cheers

Harmony - Roman Numerals

2008-05-14T18:39:00.002+12:00

Make sure you are complete the last exercise given in class for the following day. It is fantastic that you guys are getting a handle on this. If you are still having problems please bring it up in class after the aural exercises.

Penny Hooson

2008-05-12T18:24:00.003+12:00

Congratulations Penny! Over the weekend Penny came 3rd in the Under 19 solo section of the Wellington Regional Brass Band Competition on her cornet.

New Drum Teacher

2008-05-12T18:12:00.003+12:00

We have a new teacher, Rene Corbett. Rene has a Bachelor of Music from the Massey University and a diploma from the Nelson Rock School of Music.

If you want to see/hear one of his bands then click on the title of this blog post.

Even if you are not learning drum kit or percussion you can join the percussion group Concussion that rehearses in M2 on Monday lunch time. See you there.

Welcome to HVHS Rene.

New Bass Teacher

2008-05-05T18:41:00.005+12:00

I would like to welcome a new bass teacher to HVHS. Steven Moodie starts next week, replacing Alistair Isdale who has left to work full time for the Airforce Band.

Steve is a graduate from Massey University with a Bachelor of Music degree. He tutors in many styles of music and can also teach Jazz Double Bass. He plays in a lot of bands around town and if you click on the title of this blog entry you will be able to check one of them out!

Welcome Steve.

Practical Assessments

2008-05-05T18:36:00.002+12:00

We are heading rapidly towards your first major practical assessment date, in Week 6 this term. You need to be spending regular time working on your practical major, performance or composition. By regular I mean every day!

While I am expecting two performances from the Solo Performance majors, I am also expecting two completed compositions from the rest of you. So far I have not been enjoying enough of your company, so please come in and use the gear in the department after school to ensure that you do not put yourself under too much pressure later on.

Performance students - get me copies of your music.

Make sure you are up to speed

2008-05-05T18:32:00.003+12:00

Please revise your intervals and key signatures. We are moving on with our theory so it is important that you make sure you have completed any of the relevant sections in your theory book so you don't fall behind.

Let me know if you are still having any problems.

PERFORMANCE PRACTISE

2008-04-24T19:00:00.005+12:00

Your first performance date is Week 6. You are expected to perform two pieces of music and you can choose if you wish to do two solos, a solo and and a group or two group performances.

HOWEVER, I do not have copies of all of your music so please get it in during the first week of term.

Click on the title of this blog entry and you will see some hints on how to improve your performance.

Karlo Margetic

2008-04-24T17:29:00.005+12:00

Karlo Margetic has been busy since leaving Hutt Valley High School. He was the NZSO National Youth Composer in Residence 2007 and he is the 2007/2008 Auckland Philharmonic Composer in Residence.

Karlo won the National Trusts Secondary Composers' Competition in 2005 and has already written many pieces for orchestra.

In 2007, Karlo composed two chamber pieces for APO Ensembles - a string quartet for the Jade Quartet and a brass quintet for NZChamberBrass. He also wrote solo demos for all instruments in the orchestra which were played at the APO Discovery education concerts. Karlo was one of the judges at the Trusts Secondary Composers' Competition, and will again be for 2008

Karlo's newest piece for orchestra was premiered at the 2008 Lion Foundation Orchestral Summer School in January. He was asked to write a 5 minute fanfare to begin the Premier Fellowship Orchestra programme. APO will perform the first movement of Karlo's new Xylophone concerto which he wrote for Wellington percussionist Brent Stewart. Karlo will also be writing a larger piece for the APO which will be programmed in the 2009 APO season.

Click on the title of this blog entry and you will see some more information on Karlo and where to find his music.

NZ Secondary Schools Choir

2008-04-24T14:06:00.003+12:00

Penny Hooson was accepted in the 2007/2008 choir. Penny, I hope you are having a great time at rehearsal these holidays.

Tauranga National Jazz Festival

2008-04-24T14:05:00.003+12:00

Over the Easter weekend Andrew Bruce competed in the Tauranga National Jazz Festival with his group 'Combo Room 2A', made up of players from around Wellington. The competition was open to those under 25 and Andrew's group cleaned up the competition winning the following awards;
Best Combo
Best Bass
Best Musician
Best Drummer
Best Arrangement
Best Pianist (Andrew Bruce)
Best Saxophonist.

Check out the group

NZ School of Music Academy

2008-04-24T14:01:00.003+12:00

Well done for being accepted into this program:

Andrew Bruce
Hannah Gabriel
Kerry Mitchell
Leon Philipsen
Matt Steele

Orchestral Music Essay

2008-04-24T13:57:00.001+12:00

QUESTION: Orchestral Music Due Monday May 5th

You are going to make a presentation to your music class on orchestra music. Your talk is entitled “The orchestra: a unique voice of expressive power.” It will be based on TWO or more works you have studied.

Prepare notes for the talk. Compare and contrast the selected works and include the following:

(a) an explanation of the musical style(s) of the works
(b) comments on the cultural and/or historical contexts of the works
(c) an evaluation of the expressive power of the works.

Welcome to the Music Blog

2008-04-24T12:28:00.000+12:00

Hello all and welcome to the Hutt Valley High School NZ Music Department Blog.

As I get into this there will be more information available, such as homework notes for Mrs Davey's classes, music tuition, music groups, performances and success stories from within the music department and whatever else we dream up that will be useful to parents and students of the school.

Feel free to help me out by sending me relevant photos and stories of what both past and present members of the HVHS Music Department are up to with their music.

Cheers