A real strength of our school and what makes us unique, is the multiple opportunities our students have to be involved in The Arts and to grow their musical talents and abilities. If you walk into our school on any given day, you will hear music instruments playing, songs being sung and a bit of dance action going on!
Below outlines the opportunities available as well as, all the information you need to know if your child wishes to learn an instrument or take dance lessons.
Performing Arts Teachers
We have Music, Dance and Drama teachers who work across all classes in our school each Tuesday and Thursday. They also take extension classes once a week.
Sarah Hickey Music Teacher
Danielle Ward Dance & Drama Teacher
Senior Choir
An all-comers choir for children in Years 5 -8. They rehearse from 8.30 to 9.20am on Tuesdays. The main focus is participation in our Music Assemblies and the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival.
Junior Choir
An all-comers choir for children in Years 3-4 on Thursdays during second lunch.
Special Choir
To be in the special choir, children need to audition. Rehearsals take place on Thursday mornings at 8:30am.
Christchurch School of Music Band Programme
The Christchurch School of Music teach the standard instruments of a Concert Band or American Marching Band: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone,Trumpet, Trombone, Bass guitar.
Click through the slideshow to find out more about:
the training, concert and youth band
how to help your child choose an instrument and how much commitment is needed
To assist families who wish for their children to have additional music or dance tuition, we host tutors to run their private lessons at our school during school hours as an extracurricular activity. The school has no other responsibility for these extracurricular activities. Enrolment in any programme, along with any financial arrangement, is only between the parent/caregiver and the private tutor.
If your child is interested in learning to play an instrument or in dance lessons please see the information from the music and dance tutors below.
Piano Lessons – Jenny Cain
I have been teaching piano for over 40 years, including 25 years at Halswell School.
I have been teaching piano for over 40 years, including 25 years at Halswell School. My students range in age from 6 to 60+ and across all ability levels.
I offer the opportunity for some children to sit practical and theory exams through both ABRSM and Trinity College.
I have a passion for teaching and work with each child to reach their full potential.
With over five years of teaching experience, my approach to music education centers on patience, practice, and personalized learning methods. I strive to guide my students towards enhancing their musicality. Whether they’re beginners or advanced learners, I tailor my approach to suit each individual’s needs and learning style. Additionally, for those interested in formal recognition of their progress, I offer the opportunity for some students to sit through ABRSM exams, providing a structured pathway for growth and achievement in their musical journey.
Lunchtime hip hop lessons are offered to all students at Halswell School from new entrants up to Year 8 students. No experience is needed, and there are no auditions for our general groups, which include children ranging from complete beginners to experienced dancers.
Lunchtime hip hop lessons are offered to all students at Halswell School from new entrants up to Year 8 students. No experience is needed, and there are no auditions for our general groups, which include children ranging from complete beginners to experienced dancers.
I run 3 large groups: a Year 0-2 group, a Year 3 & 4 group and a senior group consisting of Year 5-8 students. I also run a competitive crew for senior students, but that is by invitation only. This year’s crew became the national champions for their division at the NZCAF National Hip Hop Championships. I try to organise performance opportunities for each group, although that has been difficult in recent years due to COVID. Fees for 2023 will be $25 per term for the first child and $15 for siblings. If you would like to sign up your child for 2023, please click the link below and fill out the form. Feel free to contact me on 027 892 1424 if you would like more information. Sign Up for Hip Hop Lessons Cherise Jones
Learn to play your favourite songs and have some fun! All musical aspects taught including Practical & Theory. Weekly small group lessons during school hours. Instruments are available to hire.
Sandra Wilson (Teacher for 20 years/Performer/Songwriter) Email: nzsandra99@gmail.com
GUITAR Tutor – Sandra Wilson (Teacher for 20 years/Performer/Songwriter) Children are taught in small groups during school hours We have fun learning lots of styles of playing, practical and theory Discounts for more than one child learning in the family Beginners are welcome at any stage of the year Hire instruments are available Celebration of Learning at the End of Each Term Please purchase your musical instrument at retailers and not The Warehouse or Toy shops. Email: nzsandra99@gmail.com
Drum lessons are available for students in Year 3 and above. Drum-kit students will develop the following skills: – Correct hand & foot technique – How to play fundamental drum rudiments & count time – How to play rhythms & fills – How to read drum sheet music & understand basic music theory – How to play songs with a backing track – Sight-reading, aural & improvisation – How to prepare for an exam* – How to prepare for an audition**
*Students who show commitment & dedication will be offered the opportunity to sit Trinity Rock & Pop drum kit exams (these exams are optional). **Students in Year 5 & above, who are playing at a Grade 3 level or higher, will also be invited to audition for the Christchurch Primary Schools Music Festival.
Beginning drum students will receive either a 30-min pair lesson, or a 20-min individual lesson (depending on scheduling & availability).
Students will receive a tuition book (cost: $25.00) at their first lesson.
Students will also need a pair of drum sticks and a drum practice pad (available for purchase at The Rockshop or Musicworks). It is not essential for students to have their own drum-kit during their first term of lessons, but drum kits are available for hire from Cat on request.
