The Arts
Cultural opportunities play a significant role in the life of Villa Maria College. We foster, nurture and grow the talents of our girls over the years they are with us. A vibrant cultural programme, where girls can seize opportunities, is central to our inclusive philosophy here at Villa.
Girls are encouraged to embrace their God-given talents, whether that is performing with the Pasifika or Kapa Haka groups, singing in one of our choirs, taking to the stage in the annual production, or playing an instrument – it’s all about being involved and having fun.
Villa Choirs
The College choral programme is now fully integrated featuring three choirs; Prima Voce for Years 7-10; Con Brio and Vivace for Years 10-13. Vivace is our elite choir, members are hand-picked from within Con Brio. Our choirs have often made the national finale of the Big Sing Competition.
Expert singing lessons are provided in individual and group settings making them accessible and affordable for everyone.
Our choirs are regularly selected as finalists for The Big Sing NZ competition. In past years, we have been awarded the coveted Gold and Silver awards, and we are proud of our girls, who show exceptional commitment to their craft.
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.
Year 13 Drama Production
Year 13 students perform each year as part of their NCEA level 3 coursework.
Music
Music plays an important role at Villa Maria. Music instruction builds confidence and esteem, and can improve socialization, communication, and academic skills. Individual and group achievements feature nationally each year at Villa.
Our Music Department is a vibrant hub of activity and full of opportunities for Villa girls. Music is a compulsory component of Years 7,8 and 9. In Years 10,11,12 and 13 music is an optional subject choice. Students can learn a variety of instruments from our Itinerant Music Teachers and join one of our many music groups that include:
• Jazz Band
• Percussion Ensemble
• Junior and Senior Orchestra
• Saxophone Ensemble
• Rock Band
The Music Department performs ‘Showcase Concerts’ twice a year and enters musical groups in many local, regional and national competitions.
The College choral programme is now fully integrated featuring three choirs from Prima Voce in Years 7-10, to Con Brio and Vivace in Years 10-13. Vivace is our advanced senior choir. Our choirs have often made the national finale of the Big Sing Competition.
Expert singing lessons are provided in individual and group settings making them accessible and affordable for everyone.
Individual tuition is available on many instruments free of charge for strings, woodwind, and brass, and for a small fee, drums and keyboard. Instruments are available for hire directly from the school.
There are many performance opportunities throughout the year both at Villa and in the community. Major festivals include The Big Sing, The Voices Festival, Jazz Quest, the National Chamber competition, and many more. Ensembles available to students include choirs, Jazz combo, rock bands, orchestras, and various instrumental ensembles. Solo performance is also encouraged and often leads to NCEA performance exams.
Please contact the Villa Music Department for more information about Itinerant Music.
Debating
Villa Maria College has a strong debating and public speaking culture. We offer girls a wide range of opportunities including:
• Junior and Senior Debating teams in the Canterbury Inter-schools’ Competitions
• The annual Bishop Lyons’ Shield competition between other Canterbury Catholic schools which includes debating, prepared speeches, impromptu speeches, scripture readings and religious questions
• The Riccarton Rotary Club Speech Competitions
• Russell McVeagh Regional Debating Championship