Music Groups at Whangaparāoa College
We offer a number of opportunities for our learners that are interested in music. We offer 1:1 itinerant lessons during school time to support our NCEA students. Our junior learners involved in our school bands receive group itinerant lessons and band practice at school once a week.
There are numerous performance opportunities for all our music groups to represent Whangaparāoa College. We showcase our musical talent by competing in RockQuest, BandQuest, Play it Strange, Stand Up Stand Out, and the KBB Music Festival with our Concert Band and Big Band.
Itinerant music lessons are offered for flute, alto saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium and tuba.
As piano, drums and guitar are our most popular instruments, we have limited lessons for these instruments prioritised for our NCEA and Year 10 learners. For recommendations of local teachers offering lessons in piano, drums and guitar please contact us.
Please email us on [email protected]
In 2026 we will be offering the following Music groups:
Whangaparāoa College Concert Band:
The Whangaparāoa College Concert Band is an award-winning band that allows woodwind, brass and rhythm section players to experience mastering challenging and exciting repertoires from various styles. The band members range from year 7 to 13, and members should have at least 3 years of playing experience on these instruments: flute, alto saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. (Grade 3 or higher). All members will be required to audition for a place in this band.
Commitment: The students are expected to regularly commit to rehearsals, performances, concerts, competitions, and practice at home.
To sign up for this band, please email Mr Ha’unga for a form.
Whangaparāoa College Big Band:
The Whangaparāoa college Big Band is also an award winning band with repertoire which explores a variety of Jazz music styles which also include fusion and funk. Their annual goal is to master their repertoire for the KBB Music Festival.
This year the Big Band plans to continue performing at the annual Gulf Harbour Yacht Club Music Night, the annual Musicfest, and the KBB Music Festival. We are always looking for new opportunities and events to perform and share their love of Jazz and Funk with the community.
The band members range from year 9 to 13, and members should have at least 3 years of playing experience on these instruments: flute, alto saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. (Grade 3 or higher). All band members will be required to audition for a place in this band.
Commitment: The students are expected to have a regular commitment to rehearsal, performances, concerts and competitions as well as practice at home.
To sign up for this band, please email Mr Ha’unga for a form.
Whangaparāoa College Symphonic band (for Years 8 - 13, open to anyone with more than one year experience playing their instrument).
The Symphonic Band is a training, non-auditioned band for members in year 8 to 13 with 1 to 3 years of experience on these instruments: flute, alto saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tenor horn, baritone, euphonium, tuba, and percussion.
This band helps students build their skills and get ready for our senior auditioned premier ensembles: Concert Band, Big Band, and Jazz Combo.
Commitment: The students are expected to have a regular commitment to rehearsal, performances, concerts and competitions as well as practice at home.
To sign up for this band, please email Mr Ha’unga for a form.
Whangaparāoa College Year 7 Beginner band:
Our beginner band ensemble is designed for our entry-level learners who are interested in starting their music journey.
The band members are year 7, with a little or no experience with an instrument.
Commitment: The students are expected to have a regular commitment to group lessons, rehearsal, performances, concerts and competitions as well as practice at home.
To sign up for this band, please email Mr Ha’unga for a form.
School Choir
We will be running a school choir open to learners from Year 7 to 13 in 2026. Please keep an eye on the school notices early in the year for more information on this.
