Play in a Music Group

The Music Department at Auckland Grammar School offers a wide range of performance groups, open to students through annual auditions. Interested students should speak to their music teacher or contact the group directors.

Membership in these groups requires a commitment to regular rehearsals, mastering parts, and consistent progress throughout the year. For more details, see our Play in a Music Group FAQs.

Performance groups available:

Symphony Orchestra

Led by Head of Music C. Hahm, the Symphony Orchestra is Auckland Grammar School’s largest and most versatile ensemble, bringing together a wide range of talented musicians from all instrumental families. This dynamic group provides students with a unique opportunity to perform complex, large-scale repertoire, from classical symphonies to modern orchestral pieces.

Students are encouraged to have reached at least a Grade 5 level of proficiency on their instrument to ensure they can meet the demands of the ensemble’s challenging music selections.

• Strings: Violin, viola, cello, double bass
• Wind: Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon
• Brass: Trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba
• Percussion and Piano: A range of percussion instruments depending on repertoire, with reading and percussion skills required

Premier Concert Band

Under the skilled direction of E. Gray, the Premier Concert Band brings together a diverse ensemble of musicians playing wind, brass, and percussion instruments, with occasional additions of piano, guitar, and bass guitar. This group meets twice weekly for rehearsals.

The Premier Concert Band perform regularly at notable events such as the New Zealand Concert Band Association Festival and the KBB Music Festival, where they represent the school. Their repertoire features a wide variety of pieces, from lively and energetic selections to more complex, dynamic works, allowing students to develop a broad range of musical skills and styles. Students should ideally be at least Grade 5 level for most instruments.

• Wind: Flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon
• Brass: Trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba
• Percussion and Piano: A range of percussion instruments depending on repertoire, with reading and percussion skills required

Big Band

Directed by J. Ioelu, the Big Band brings together a range of musicians, including saxophones (alto, tenor, and baritone), trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section featuring drums, percussion, guitar, bass guitar, and piano/keys. Vocalists also add a dynamic layer to the ensemble’s performances. With a focus on jazz, blues, swing, funk, and Latin styles, the Big Band rehearses twice weekly, refining both technical skill and ensemble cohesion.

The Big Band is known for its exceptional achievements in jazz and contemporary music, consistently earning recognition and awards in regional and national competitions. The ensemble frequently performs at prominent events, including the Tauranga National Jazz Festival and the Auckland Jazz Festival, where they showcase a repertoire that combines classic jazz standards with vibrant contemporary pieces. Their performances are celebrated for energy, style, and musicianship, making them a valued part of the school’s performing arts profile.

Grammarphonics

Directed by T. Wayne-Wright and managed by J. Ioelu, Grammarphonics is the School’s audition choir, representing the commitment to vocal excellence. This selective choir rehearses weekly, preparing a diverse and challenging repertoire for various high-profile events throughout the year. They regularly participate in the Big Sing competition. Grammarphonics performs at school assemblies, special Performance Days, and takes a prominent role in the Winter Concert Series, contributing significantly to the cultural life of the School.

Grammarphonics have been selected to compete against other quality school choirs at the regional (Upper and Central North Island) Big Sing Cadenza finals since 2019 and were selected to compete in the National Finale events in 2022 and 2023.

Pipe Band

Led by J. Montgomerie, the Pipe Band has been an integral part of the Music Department since 1997. Through the Itinerant Music Scheme, students learn either the bagpipes or side drums, often with no prior experience necessary. The band rehearses weekly and performs widely, including at local competitions, school assemblies, and music concerts. The Pipe Band has a unique uniform, featuring Clanranald tartan kilts generously donated by Old Boy Harold McIsaac ’51.

Grammar Virtuosi led by Head of Music Ms. C. Hahm, is the School’s elite, award-winning chamber orchestra renowned for its artistic excellence and high standards. The ensemble, with additional tutoring provided by the string teacher B. Lin, comprises advanced string players performing on violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harpsichord/piano. Grammar Virtuosi offers talented musicians the chance to refine their technique, enhance ensemble skills, and tackle a challenging repertoire that fosters growth and mastery. Membership is by invitation, with players generally expected to be at Grade 8 level or higher, ensuring a dedicated and skilled group that consistently achieves high accolades.

The Concertante String Orchestra, directed by B. Lin, serves as the School’s development ensemble for string players, including violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This orchestra provides essential training for students aiming to refine their skills and eventually audition for the Symphony Orchestra when they reach the appropriate playing level. 

The Wind Band, under the direction of E. Gray, prepares students in brass, wind, and percussion for future placement in the Premier Concert Band. Practicing twice weekly, the Wind Band participates in prominent annual events, such as the KBB Music Festival and the Winter Concert Series, helping students develop to the standard required for senior performance groups.

Grammar Voices, directed by T. Wayne-Wright and managed by J. Ioelu, is an inclusive choir open to all year levels. Rehearsing weekly, the choir participates in the annual Big Sing competition, School assembly performances, and the Winter Concert Series, making it ideal for students eager to engage in choral performance.

Chamber Groups are formed annually to provide advanced students with specialised ensemble experience. Typically comprising students who are already active in other School music groups, these ensembles compete in the National Chamber Music Competition, offering high-level musicians a platform for refined, intimate performance. Students interested in joining chamber groups are encouraged to discuss options with Music Department staff.

Register for a Music group and the membership fee

Registration for Auckland Grammar School’s music groups is conducted via an online form and video submission:

• Junior Level (ABRSM Grade 2-4): Access the registration form here
• Premier Group Level (ABRSM Grade 5 and above): Access the registration form here
• Re-auditions for Current Members: Students who are already members of a music group must re-audition to join a Premier group for the upcoming year. The re-audition form is available here

Please note: Students may be asked to attend an in-person audition based on their video submission.

An annual non-refundable membership fee of $50 applies to each student, regardless of the number of groups they join. This fee is used to cover expenses such as sheet music, photocopying, specialist teachers, and workshops and will be invoiced via the Parent Portal as needed.

Performance Uniform and dress code

All music group members, except those in the Pipe Band, must adhere to the following uniform requirements:

• Music Blazer: $210, available at the School Shop
• White Shirt (pressed and clean): $50, available at the School Shop
• School Tie: $28, available at the School Shop
• Black Trousers (pressed and clean): $80, available at the School Shop
• Black Socks and Polished Black Shoes: Purchase from a retailer of your choice

As representatives of Auckland Grammar School, music group members are expected to maintain a high standard of dress during all performances (both in School and outside of School).

Attendance

Representing Auckland Grammar School in a music group is a privilege that comes with significant responsibilities. Members are expected to demonstrate exemplary standards in preparation, punctuality, and performance.

• Planned Absences: Requests for planned absences must be communicated via email to the respective Group Director in advance
• Unplanned Absences or Illness: These must also be reported to the Group Director via email as soon as possible

By committing to a performance group, students agree to uphold the high standards of Auckland Grammar School’s Music Department.