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.
Year 9 Music Academy
Year 9 Music Academy is an extension programme for students who have previously learned a musical instrument and would like to develop their musicianship further.
This practical course gives students opportunities to learn and perform through a range of ensembles, including string orchestra, concert band, vocal ensemble, chamber groups and rock and pop groups. Students may perform at school events and participate in music trips throughout the year.
Students also extend their musical knowledge by exploring a range of historical styles, creating a composition portfolio and developing their music theory skills through workbook activities.
Please note that students enrolled in the Year 9 Music Academy do not participate in the Year 9 Arts rotation.
Application information and forms are provided directly to eligible students once their enrolment at Westlake Girls High School has been confirmed.
2027 applications open: Monday 14 September 2026
2027 applications close: Friday 9 October 2026
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 |
