Music

Music is an important part of our school, it is an opportunity for us to come together to demonstrate Kotahitanga. School singing, waiata and school haka involves everyone in our school and feature in many celebrations and assemblies such as Anzac Day, school assembly and Prizegiving. Staff waiata and karakia are part of every staff briefing.

Participation in music is encouraged and students can enjoy fully immersing themselves in the friendships and skills that they develop through this involvement.

Many students choose to take part in music lessons and performance groups. Tuition is available in a range of instruments and students are encouraged to perform within the school and the wider community.

Wairoa College M.W.A Band performing at Tangata Beats

2024 Moana JR Prodution

The 60-minute musical adventure is based on the 2016 Disney film Moana. The Wairoa College cast includes 24 students led by Ms. Corker, Mrs. Scott and Mr. Westwood See the line where the sky meets the sea? You’ll love this thrilling and heartwarming stage adaptation of the coming-of-age tale of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. She and the demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as she learns to harness the power that lies within. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favorite songs by Tony®, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, such as “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.” With its empowering message of bravery, Moana JR. is sure to awaken your inner hero!

Upcoming Music and Performance Events

If your child is learning an instrument or loves singing and has always wanted to be in a band with friends, how about aiming to compete against other regional school bands in Smokefree Rockquest or Smokefree Tangata Beats this year? Wairoa College has been represented by a senior school band for the last two years. This year, we would like to create a space for more bands of varying genres (rock, pop, soul, reggae...) and ages to join the fun. Bands will need to have between 2-7 members, and will meet once a week during Tuesday lunchtimes to write and practice two original songs each. Tairawhiti regional heats will be held in May and June respectively. See Ms. Corker in the Music room if you are keen.We are also opening up our school choir to all ages (Years 7-13). This is an after-school activity on Thursday afternoons 3.15-4.15pm. Please see Ms. Corker or the school office for registration forms. The highlight of 2025 will be the return of the infamous Wairoa College Stage Challenge to celebrate Matariki in the last week of Term 2. This will be a whirlwind evening of student performances framed by a common theme - Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the Matariki star symbolising dreams and aspirations. Dream big, stand tall, aim high. Students of all ages are invited to come up with any type of performance around this theme - dancing, speeches, poetry, music performances, short films, spoken word, comedy.... Registration forms will be available from Ms. Corker and the school office.“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — AristotleMs. Corker