Teacher / Conductor

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Chris has taught classroom music in the USA (Grades K-6), Samoa and New Zealand (Yr9-13). He has also taught lessons in piano, voice, trumpet and choral conducting, as well as classroom drama and some dance.

Belle a Cappella performs Zigeunerleben, June 2011

Chris conducts the NZSSC in Teatro Roma, Buenos Aires

He was HOD Music & Performing Arts at Waimea College for 10 years from 2002. He taught Year 9-13 Music and conducted Belle a Cappella, the college’s national award-winning chamber choir. He has conducted the concert orchestra, was musical director for the school production “Jesus Christ Superstar”, and established the school’s first Theatre Sports team.

Chris has conducted choirs of all ages– from the 90-strong Year 6 Choir at Kingston Elementary School (Plymouth, U.S.A., 1997-98) to Opera North (Whangarei, 2001–guest conductor) to Polyhymnos Chamber Choir at the Nelson School of Music (2002-05).

He was Associate Conductor of the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir 2007-08
 

Chris continues to make himself available to choirs for workshops. He created three custom arrangements for Femme of Southland Girls High School, travelling to Invercargill to workshop the pieces. Femme was invited to perform his works at the Big Sing National Finale choral competition in Wellington in 2008 and Auckland in 2010.

For most of his time at Waimea College, Chris was also Head of Sheppard House– winners of House Song 2006 and the House Shield 2009.

 

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KEY TASKS & EXPERIENCE

 Head of Music & Performing Arts Department, Waimea College

  • Overall responsibility for music, drama and dance activities at the largest secondary school in the area (approximately 1500 students)
  • Developed the Performing Arts Department from one classroom teacher to four teaching staff, full-time Arts Coordinator, up to 12 itinerant music tutors and a full range of Music, Drama and Dance classes from Years 9-13 in 2011
  • Taught curricular Music classes for Years 9-13 and Performing Arts (Drama/ Dance) Years 9 and 11
  • Conducted the concert orchestra, formed and conducted the school’s two vocal ensembles (Camerata and Belle a Cappella) and managed all music ensembles
  • Led Belle a Cappella choir to perform at The Big Sing National Finale in winning Silver, Bronze and Youth Ambassador awards
  • Oversaw renovations to the Performing Arts Department which added a digital recording studio, a sound-proofed recording room and a computer suite
  • Supported and encouraged all styles of music within the department, with a focus on excellence in performance and music literacy
  • Led student groups on a number of New Zealand and international music tours including Samoa (2004) and the Bonyi Youth Music Festival, Brisbane (2007) /li>
  • Musical director for school production of “Jesus Christ Superstar”
  • Head of Creative Faculty, representing staff in the Performing & Visual Arts, Design and Materials Technology Departments
  • Trained and supported student conductors of Camerata choir and oversaw Performing Arts Captains, House Captains and leaders within ensembles
  • Head of Sheppard House, one of the four school houses
  • Served on the Curriculum, Professional Development and ICT Committees as Creatives Faculty respresentative

 

 

Associate Conductor of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir

  • Shared responsibility with the music team for selecting repertoire, planning rehearsal camps and tours, and directing 55 students from throughout the country
  • Conducted and accompanied the choir at concerts
  • Recorded rehearsals and performances using Protools
  • Shared the pastoral care of 55 students on camps and tours
  • Toured throughout New Zealand and to Brazil and Argentina for the Melodia! Youth Music Festival