Performing Arts

Performing Arts

Music

Outside of class time there's plenty of scope for those who wish to learn an instrument, or join the School Choir or Orchestra, or form their own Rock Band.

A lot of students are involved in the School Production as singers and instrumentalists and they play an important role in ensuring that the show is a success.

The Choir is open to all age groups and practices on Tuesdays between 3.15 and 4.15pm

Orchestra is also open to all musicians and their practice are held on Wednesdays between 3.10 and 4.10pm

The Jazz band is accessed by invitation only after auditions

The School offers Itinerant Music lessons for Violin, Clarinet, Saxaphone, Guitar, Piano, Drums,Flute and Voice.

The annual Chamber Music Contest provides an opportunity for students of all levels and ages to form a group and enter the contest.

Students can also apply for a music pass to gain access to the recording studio and control room or one of the five well eqipped practice rooms. After the Production concerts will be held out in the community involving the choir and orchestra and the school's Jazz group. Membership of the Jazz group is by invitation only after auditions

Dance

Dance is a popular subject within the school. Students are able to participate in a variety of dance groups during the year and perform at various evenings. Many of the Dance students take their skills across to Stage Challence, Hip Hop competitions, Production and Aerobics.

Drama

Drama is both an popular subject and an extra curricular activity at Wanganui High School. Students are frequently inspired to want to perform at every possible opportunity. In addition to the bi-annual school "productions" students have participated in such events as the National Sheila Winn Shakespeare competition, One Act plays, Theatre Sport etc.

Kapahaka

KIA WHAIORA is the name of the school's kapahaka group and also the whare. Kapahaka is open to all students in the school who wish to join. The only requirements are "commitment" and "an attitude" to do your best.

One of the key roles of kapahaka is to participate in school powhiri to welcome new students at the beginning of the year and visitors. Students also have the opportunity to represent the school at Pae Rangatahi which is an Inter-School Secondary School Competition. Kia Whaiora has been very successful at these events.

Manu Korero will be held on the 18th June 2009.

Paerangatahi on the 19th June 2009.

Stage Challenge 2009

Stage Challenge has been a major highlight of the Performing Arts year over an extended period of time and this year will be no exception.

A team of students began work last year on the concepts underlying this years Stage Challenge with work continuing through to February when auditions began. After much debate and soul searching the performers were selected and rehearsals began. These will continue through until the mid-May performance in Palmerston North. Costuming, lighting, choreography and set design and construction are all being undertaken by enthusiastic groups of students.

If you missed out on Stage Challenge in 2009 there's always 2010 to look forward to. In the meantime work on your skills. It's well worth the effort.

Wanganui High School offers a wide range of Performing Arts for students to participate in.

Students are able to challenge themselves in many different areas - Dance, Drama, Hip Hop, Music, Kapahaka or Pasifika or even as a combination of several of these activities.

Aerobics

This is an activity open to all year levels. Members train and practice throughout the year so that they can compete both individually and as a team at the National Competition. Past successes are seen as a challenge for the team members to lift their performance and strive to better their efforts of the previous years. Talk to Miss Pond for further information.