Whether a student feels most at home behind a grand piano or competing in hip hop competitions, there are countless opportunities to pursue creative and artistic passions here at St Cuthbert’s, at all levels of experience.
The St Cuthbert’s strategic vision includes the aim to grow each girls’ Mind, Body and Spirit. Participating in Performing Arts certainly contributes to this outcome, thanks to rich opportunities in performance, production, movement, creativity, self-expression and learning.
“Well, obviously, I’m a huge advocate for the arts!” smiles Oliver Gilmour, our passionate Head of Faculty: Performing Arts, who is an accomplished musician and educator. “Over the years I’ve seen first-hand how dance, drama, music and speech programmes can help young people to develop resilience, creativity and confidence, and most importantly, develop empathy.”
Oliver points out the Performing Arts can also be credited for developing imagination and building the skills future employers are looking for – collaboration, curiosity, risk-taking and an ability to think outside the square, “All essential qualities for the real world.”
Oliver and his accomplished teaching team of 11 staff, together with a large team of itinerants and contractors, work across the
disciplines in curricular, co-curricular and itinerant lessons. “We are incredibly lucky to have a hugely talented and committed
team” he says.
“There are plenty of ways for students to either dip their toes into something completely new and have some fun collaborating with friends,” explains Oliver. “or, to really excel and progress more formally and competitively”.
Here are just some of the activities and highlights of Performing Arts in 2023, and an insight into the faculty’s vision.
Dance in many forms
“We offer some great ways for girls to express themselves through movement,” says Oliver. “It’s an art form that’s always evolving.”
Curricular dance includes a plethora of styles, and our co-curricular dance programme is growing. “This year, we are entering troupes into regional competitions for the first time, which is providing an all-important focus.”
‘The Company’ is our troupe of auditioned, elite dancers from Years 10 to 13, with a focus on contemporary dance. New this
year is the ‘Year 7 and 8 Jazz Dance’ Troupe, catering for many enthusiastic Junior Secondary students, and we recently had
great success in a local hip hop competition.
“Girls have collaborated this year on stunning pieces for performances and a particular highlight was the annual Dance Showcase, held in Clouston Hall in August” says Oliver. “This featured our fantastic dance troupes, along with our NCEA Dance
students performing at a high level. We also had the privilege of bringing in some outstanding professional dancers for our annual ‘Dance Intensive’ weekend workshop”.
Finding your rhythm
When it comes to our all-important Music offering, girls have a unique and impressive array of choices, and can set their own pace.
“Whether it’s an un-auditioned, development group or an elite, premier ensemble, there’s something for every girl when it comes to music,” explains Oliver. “There’s choirs, bands, jazz ensembles, orchestras, chamber groups and rock bands, competing in local and national competitions. It’s a hive of activity!”
We are proud of our top ensembles, such as Saints Alive, who are competing in the 2023 National Finale. However, the development groups also provide essential pathways for students to grow and develop in their younger years.
Oliver points out that as well as a robust curricular and co-curricular offering, there are over 30 itinerant music teachers, tutoring a range of instruments including voice. “Our itinerant tutors bring a depth of experience, and many of them are professional musicians too.”
“Action!” with our unique drama offering
Drama students learn to explore many interesting and iconic characters and scripts, and gain valuable personal skills they will carry through life.
“I believe acting develops intimate levels of empathy and a sense of self and performance helps with developing confidence.” says Oliver.
He would certainly know, having witnessed over 250 students annually go through Drama Club and Theatresports, as well as many other curricular drama activities.
“We’re also proud that many girls participate in the Shakespeare Prologue Festival, many of them progressing to the SGCNZ Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival.”
Oliver is quick to add that it’s also about what’s behind the scenes, “When students help to produce plays or shows, which is an essential and specialised part of Performing Arts, they also get recognised. Our Tech Team are highly skilled students who
help with sound, lighting and other backstage tasks”.
As an advocate of musical theatre, Oliver believes school productions are a favourite part of the year. “Whether it’s ‘Annie’ or ‘The Addams Family’, productions offer a role for everyone.
Our productions, in conjunction with Auckland Grammar School, create lifelong memories for our students.”
Finding your voice with speech lessons
Oliver believes that our Speech programme is led by some of Aotearoa’s top communication experts, who teach girls valuable technical skills and confidence.
“Students who enrol in these programmes soon learn to find their own clear, authentic voice when it comes to public speaking” explains Oliver. “Many of our students choose to advance through the Trinity School of London or New Zealand Speech Board
exams”.
Looking to the future
Oliver started with us in 2020 as Associate Head of Faculty. Since mid 2022, he has led the faculty and has a strong vision for the years ahead.
“There is an exemplary set of programmes already on the table – but we’re always evolving,” he says. “An example is the new Chapel Band that performs at Sunday Services, students learning to play the new organ in Clouston Hall, and our efforts to develop singing, through the integration of Māori waiata and hymns.
Oliver and his team will continue to strive for excellence in ‘premier’ groups like Saints Alive, Sebastian Squad, Shakespeare Festival, and Stage Band, at a national level.
“We’re also concentrating on increased networking and collaboration with other schools and increasing competitions as well.
Hosting the Honours Band Festival in 2023 is a great example of this.
Furthermore, we believe that service is an important part of the College’s ethos, so we are also involved in performing for the community.”
Oliver is also excited about a new recording studio in the pipeline. “Along with our other impressive resources in the PAC, we’ve got a purpose-built studio being constructed that will offer girls unique hands-on recording experience.”
PAC is short for Performing Arts Centre, our purpose-built building constructed in 2011.
“It’s a truly impressive and unique space for a school,” he says. “But the thing I love most, is that it’s a safe haven for all students to just hang out, try new things, such as a new instrument. The PAC fosters a sense of belonging that is very special.”
Oliver has an impressive musical background, with an undergraduate degree in music and Masters in Education Practice from the University of Auckland. He is currently on the Board of the National Youth Theatre, has been the musical director of countless shows, and spent five years as conductor of the Auckland Wind Orchestra. He plays the saxophone and flute, and even taught himself to play the piano.
“Since I was young, I knew I wanted to do something in music, and teaching has been the perfect progression,” says Oliver. “Watching a student fall in love with an art form and create lifelong memories in Performing Arts, is such a thrill for me. I love watching our talented teachers grow and develop their practice too.”
We hope that our students will feel inspired to try something new – either on or off stage.