Music is an essential part of the human experience. Rangi Ruru’s music programme places an emphasis on the development of the whole girl through an integrated approach to wellbeing through music.
As one of the top-performing schools in New Zealand for music, we offer seamless programmes that integrate curricular and co-curricular teaching and learning. Our passionate and highly qualified teachers inspire and challenge students to reach their full potential through numerous opportunities. We foster a strong partnership among students, their families, and teachers, creating a foundation for a lifetime of contributions to the music community in whatever capacity they choose after leaving Rangi Ruru.
Through our diverse and inclusive programmes, students develop highly desirable skills in areas such as leadership, self-management, creativity, analysis, performance, collaboration, problem-solving, communication, curiosity, risk-taking and an ability to think outside the square. Most importantly they learn about empathy – how to ‘walk in another’s shoes’ – through performing, creating, analysing and listening to music.
Being supported to explore multiple interests while at school prepared me for the reality of starting to build a career in a creative industry, where organisational and communication skills can be just as important as artistry. Rangi Ruru’s support of co-curricular activities and a give-it-a-go attitude helped me to develop the courage to explore new opportunities, allowing me to maintain breadth and flexibility in my study despite the increasing pressure to specialise.
Curriculum
Music is offered as a subject to everyone. Increasing specialisation is available as students progress through NCEA Levels 1-3 and scholarship. Our musicians achieve at the uppermost level academically, consistently achieving NCEA and scholarship results well above the national average. This includes a 100% music scholarship success rate in recent years, including Outstanding and Top Music Scholar awards.
Be Your Best
Watch the video below to see Rangi Ruru students Elise and Kaiyah, and alumna Kendal Flutey, share what being their best means to them.
Co-curricular Programmes
Rangi Ruru music groups are highly regarded. Students are intrinsically motivated to focus on learning through working together and problem solving to produce the very best performances that are possible. A successful performance is one that meets these criterian and communicates the essence of the music to the audience. Highlights in any given year are our renowned musical theatre productions and performing arts showcase concerts in which students and staff collaborate to produce memorable and heartfelt performances of the highest standard.
Many of our ensembles are regional and national award winners in a diverse range of secondary school music events, and our students are in demand as performers in Christchurch.
- Resolutions, our senior choir, is frequently a national finalist at the BIG SING National Finals
- Rangi Ruru’s Chamber musicians have been national finalists, winning top awards in the NZCT Chamber Music Contest
- Our Jazz Band and Combo are gold and silver award winners at several jazz festivals
- Composers and songwriters are gaining national recognition for their work
Our talented musicians are selected to be members of regional and national groups, including the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Choir, National Youth Jazz Band and National Youth Symphonic Winds. Many are fully involved in a range of music and performing arts groups in the wider Christchurch area.
Stellar Music High Performance Programme
Our premier music programme, The Stellar Programme, provides a personalised learning environment where talented musical students excel.
