The Performing Arts
Our Performing Arts curriculum reinforces the tradition of excellence in Dance, Drama and Music. Students have the scope to explore and develop their talents and creativity, engaging in performance and achieving personal excellence.
Villa Choirs
The College has three choirs:
Prima Voce is our non-auditioned junior choir for Year 7-10 students. It performs at The Big Sing, Cultural Fusion, Prizegiving and other exciting events throughout the year. Prima Voce received the award Outstanding Recital Performance by a Junior Choir at the Big Sing competition in 2024. Please contact Ms Rosa Elliott if you are interested in joining Prima Voce.
Con Brio is a non-auditioned senior choir for Years 11–13, with exception for younger students who audition for a place. The choir is a year-long obligation. Con Brio performs in the New Zealand Choral Federation Big Sing Competition, attaining a Silver 2004, Silver 2005, Gold 2006, Silver 2007, Silver 2008, Silver 2009, Silver 2017, Youth Ambassadors’ Award 2017, Silver 2018, and Bronze in 2022. Con Brio members participate in weekly sectionals and voice lessons. Con Brio perform at Cultural Fusion Masses, assemblies, prizegivings and at rest homes. Please contact Mrs Mel Lawrie if you are interested in joining Con Brio.
Vivace is our premier senior choir, with the odd exception for junior members. Auditions are held in Term 4 of the previous year and in week one and two of the current year. The choir involves a year-long obligation for its members. Vivace performs in the New Zealand Choral Federation Big Sing Competition. Vivace members participate in weekly sectionals and voice lessons. Vivace performs at many events both at school and in the wider community and prides itself on always performing at an Excellence level. Please contact Mrs Mel Lawrie if you are interested in joining Vivace.
Drama
Villa Maria College is proud to partner with St Thomas of Canterbury College every year to produce a live stage show. The schools take turns to choose, produce and manage the year’s production.
Each year, more than 100 students are involved in the Production, across the two schools. There is a large cast for each show (usually with two sets of lead characters) as well as students working in the back of the stage, learning about lighting, stage set up, sound, costume, and makeup.
Students are notified of auditions through the school notices and all audition materials can be accessed through a website.
Sheilah Winn Shakespeare is available to Year 9-13 students enthusiastic about performing Shakespeare. Students can enter a 15-minute teacher directed excerpt or a 5-minute student-directed piece in the competition. This event takes place in March. Auditions are at the start of the year and are open to all year levels. Rehearsals are in students’ own time.
Music
Music plays an important role at Villa Maria College.
Itinerant lessons are offered to all new students for the following: Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello, Trumpet, Horn, French Horn, Trombone, Guitar, Drums, Percussion. There are charges for course-related costs which you will need to pay before lessons commence – these are to cover materials and any repairs. There is a separate charge for students who need to hire an instrument. Students are expected to join Symphonia once confident enough, or a band so they can become more experienced with the instrument they are learning. Please contact Mrs Mel Lawrie if you have any questions in relation to Itinerant Music Lessons.
Symphonia is our Villa Maria orchestra. The orchestra performs at school events such Cultural Fusion and Prizegiving and is open to students of all year levels and abilities on their instrument. Symphonia offers a fantastic opportunity for instrumentalists to experience the joy of making music together! Please contact Ms Rosa Elliott if you are interested in joining.
Jazz Band offers an opportunity for experienced musicians to play in a group situation. Jazz Band performs at the ILT Jazz Festival in October. If you are interested, then please contact Mrs Mel Lawrie.
Smokefree Rockquest and Tangata Beats are annual competitions for bands and songwriters throughout New Zealand to showcase their original songs. If you have always wanted to be in a band, now is your chance. Get those drumsticks or guitar out or blow the dust off those vocal chords! Please contact Ms Rosa Elliott or Mrs Mel Lawrie if you are interested in joining a band or entering the competition.
Pasifika
The Villa Maria College Pasifika group is a committed group of students who represent many different cultures from Moana nui a Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean. They perform yearly at Polyfest and at school cultural celebrations such as Cultural Fusion and many other events that arise during the year. They are supported by senior student leaders, staff, and we welcome fanau who are willing to contribute their skills and knowledge. We look forward to this vibrant and talented group growing in numbers, learning dances from other Pasifika cultures, and sharing what they learn with their fellow students. If you would like to join, please see Ms Palmer.
Kapa Haka
Kapa Haka participates in Mihi Whakatau, Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech competition, Cultural Fusion, Tūhono Kapa Haka competition and many other opportunities that arise during the year. The Kapa are tutored by Zohnia and Nepia Reweti. Currently, practices are on Fridays after school, with extra practices occurring at lunchtime. The staff passionately supports our Kapa Haka. We welcome input and support from whānau, and the door is always open to those who wish to support in some way. If your child is interested in joining our school’s Kapa Haka groups, they can contact Whaea Anna James.
Dance
DanceNZMade is a national dance competition that celebrates strength, diversity, and passion for dance. Year 7-13 dancers can take part in this annual event held in Term 3 each year. Dances are choreographed, taught, and rehearsed by senior students and Mrs Kilpatrick. Rehearsals are held at lunchtime; some weekend practices are required. DanceNZMade is a wonderful way for students who learn dance to showcase their talent in a competitive setting.
Filipino Marias
The Filipino Marias is a dedicated group of Filipino students who have formed a group to allow them to learn, celebrate and share their cultural identity through dance. They perform school cultural celebrations such as Cultural Fusion and other events that arise during the year. They are supported by senior students, staff, and we welcome family who are willing to contribute their skills and knowledge. We support the development of this group wholeheartedly as a chance for Filipino students to showcase their culture with their fellow students. If you would like to join, please see Mrs Mel Lawrie.
