Westlake Girls is proud of its vibrant and busy Music Department with many and varied co-curricular ensemble groups that contribute to its longstanding reputation for excellence. Each Premier ensemble group has a development pathway leading in, ensuring that every young musician is developed, whatever their starting level. Our association with Westlake Boys High School allows us to cooperate in numerous mixed ensembles, providing socialisation through music making. For many years the Westlake schools have dominated regional and national music competitions as well as achieving great success in many international competitions.
Many people who enjoy music also enjoy STEAM. To learn about STEAM at Westlake Girls click the link below.
Year 9 Music Academy
Year 9 Music Academy is an extension cohort which caters to students who have previously learnt a musical instrument and would like to develop their musicianship further by learning and playing in a range of ensembles, including string orchestra, concert band, vocal ensemble, chamber groups and rock/pop groups. This is a practical-based course and as such, students will have opportunities to perform throughout the year in school events and trips. Students will also extend their music knowledge through researching a range of historical musical styles, creating a composition portfolio, and developing their theory skills via workbooks.
Instrumental/Vocal Itinerant Music Lessons
The following musical instruments can be learnt through the Itinerant Music Programme:
Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Saxophone, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Voice, Piano, Guitar, and Bass Guitar. Students attend a 30 minute lesson during school time, and WGHS can provide families with annual hireage of some instruments.
Co-Curricular Ensemble Auditions
Auditions for our performance ensembles will be taking place in September/October 2026.
Choirs
Choralation – Premier Mixed Voice
Cantare – Premier Upper Voice
Nota Bella – Junior
Cigno Voce – Senior
Kotahi Voices – Allcomers
Orchestras
Westlake Symphony Orchestra
Westlake Chamber Orchestra
Taharoto Strings
If you are interested in any of these
opportunities (more information below), please fill out this
Expression of Interest form to join the
mailing list and receive updates.
Kasey Hani Lui, Performing Arts Faculty Administrator. Email: [email protected]
Choirs
| Cantare | Premier (girls) | Director: Fiona Wilson |
| Choralation | Premier (mixed) | Director: Fiona Wilson |
| Cigno Voce | Senior development (girls) | Director: Rachel Carson |
| Nota Bella | Junior development (girls) | Director: Elise Bradley |
| Kotahi Voices | All comers (girls) | Director: Gnesyer Gomez |
Instrumental Groups
| Westlake Symphony Orchestra | Premier (mixed) | Director: David Squire |
| Westlake Chamber Orchestra | Premier (mixed) | Director: Joo Yeon Lee |
| Westlake Concert Band | Premier (mixed) | Director: Warwick Robinson |
| Westlake Big Band | Premier (mixed) | Director: Eddie Hare |
| Taharoto Strings | Development (girls) | Director: Joo Yeon Lee |
| Symphonic Band | Development (girls) | Director: Jono Howan |
| Jazz Band | Development (girls) | Director: Jono Howan |
Other Ensembles
| Chamber Music groups | Premier and development (across schools) | Tutor: Rachel Carson |
| Rock Bands | Development (girls) | Tutor: James Bristow |
| Volante String Group | Development (girls) | Tutor: Alison Salmons |
| Silver Keys Flute Choir | Development (girls) | Tutor: Mary O’Brien |
