Music at Hutt Valley High School
Hutt Valley High School offers high quality, free tuition on a wide range of instruments. Students taking music instrumental lessons through school will be expected to take an active part a co-curricular music group at HVHS. Through these activities, students use the skills learned in lessons and improve at a faster rate.
Beginners are welcome on all instruments. For general enquiries please email the Music Department at music@hvhs.school.nz
Register Now for Music Lessons at HVHS
Registrations are now open for students to sign up for music lessons in 2026, please click the link below to learn more and to complete the application form.
In 2026 music lessons are offered in bass guitar, cello, clarinet, double bass, drums, flute, guitar (classical, rock and jazz), percussion, saxophone (alto, baritone & tenor), songwriting, trombone, trumpet, tuba, voila, violin and voice.
Music Groups
Our music groups are open to all students. We have a variety of groups, so there is something for everyone. We welcome all new singers and musicians but expect instrumentalists to have been learning their instrument for at least one year.
Our music groups compete at regional and national competitions including:
- The Big Sing
- RockQuest
- Tangata Beats
- Young Singers In Harmony Barbershop Competition
- Manawatu Jazz Festival
- New Zealand Chamber Music Contest
If you would like to form your own music band or new group please email the Music Department at music@hvhs.school.nz
Music Ensembles & Bands
Please contact music@hvhs.school.nz for more information about ensembles at Hutt Valley High School.
Barbershop Chorus
Staff contact – David Brooks
Sing in four-part harmony with a chorus of voices. Open to all students, this group attends the regional Young Singers in Harmony Competition annually. Barbershop Chorus meets on Wednesdays in M1 at 3:30pm.
Barbershop Quartet
Staff contact – David Brooks
This group is an auditioned ensemble with members continuing from the previous year. This group attends the regional Young Singers in Harmony Competition annually. Students wanting to audition for this ensemble will need to speak directly to David Brooks. Barbershop Quartet meets on Fridays at 11:00am in M1.
More than one quartet can be formed if there are enough students and a range of voices.
Chamber Music Ensemble/ Trios
Staff contact – Jhan Lindsay
These groups are formed and rehearse throughout the week with a variety of teachers.
Instrument combinations for specific ensembles are created and rehearsed to participate in the New Zealand Chamber Music Competition.
Instruments that can audition are, but not limited to – piano, violin, cello, viola, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, oboe, piccolo, bassoon, double bass, trumpet and trombone.
Rehearsal times and venues are arranged with group members and tutors. Performance opportunities are abundant throughout the year, both in and out of school.
Guitar Ensemble / Quartet
Staff contact – Jhan Lindsay
Are you keen to pick up some guitar skills and play with a group of guitar-loving students? Come along and learn everything from Appalachian ballads to contemporary classical duet arrangements. Guitar Ensemble meets on Wednesdays at 11:00am in M1, all students are welcome to join.
Jazz Band
Staff contact – Chris Buckland
A large swinging ensemble learning the foundations of performing Jazz music. The lineup of instrumental players changes each year. Students interested in participating in this ensemble will need to speak directly to Chris Buckland in audition for a place. Jazz Band meets on Wednesdays at 1:30pm in M1.
Senior Bands
Staff contact – Whaea Grace Wright
This is a rehearsal session for students taking Senior Performance Music at HVHS. You need to be taking Year 12 or 13 Performance Music with Whaea Grace to attend. Senior Bands meets in the Music Department (M1 & M2) on Fridays at 3:30pm.
String Orchestra
Staff contact – Alex Vaatstra & Katriona MacDonald
Violin, viola, cello and double bass make up this group. Led by Alex Vaatstra, our violin and viola teacher, this ensemble welcomes players of all levels and experience. Throughout the year this ensemble performs multiple times for school and community concerts. The String Orchestra is open to all students, and they meet on Thursdays at 1:30pm in M1.
Toot Suite
Staff contact – Chris Buckland
Woodwind quartet, featuring saxophones. Students in this group will have taken lessons for at least 1-2 years and be committed to developing ensemble skills and performance experience. Toot Suite is an auditioned group that meets on Wednesdays at 8:30am in M2.
Volante
Staff contacts – Ruth Armishaw & Nicholas Kovacev
Enhance your life and others by singing in a group. Volante is a choir/vocal ensemble that all students are welcome to join.
Led by the energetic and engaging Ruth Armishaw and accompanied by the exceptional Nicholas Kovacev, Volante offers the opportunity to develop your vocal technique and skill, learn a diversity of songs, and sing in harmony. Volante will participate in The Big Sing and also perform at multiple events throughout the year.
