Auckland Philharmonia in Schools Programme 
The Sancta Maria College Music department continues to be a part of the Auckland Philharmonia in Schools music programme for Auckland’s schools. This year we continue to fine tune our students’ musicianship by having mentoring from Auckland Philharmonia musicians in Term 3 as we prepare for the KBB Music Festival. 

Smokfree Rockquest (Manukau final)
Two Sancta Maria College Rock Bands, Chopstixs and Chicken Burrito, competed at the Smoke Free Rock Quest Heats performing their original songs at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, at Auckland Girls Grammar.  A special congratulations to Chopstixs who were Regional Finalists; the Sancta Maria College community are very proud of you and what you have achieved!   

The Judges’ comments sum Chopstix up perfectly: “You’re all playing well beyond your years, well done there is a big future for you if you keep at it. I can already see this in a big venue, and you did your genre proud! Such a Rockstar performance from the singer.”

Big Sing
Our Sancta Maria College choir which ranges from Year 7-13 singers sang at the Auckland Town Hall at the recent national choral competition, The Big Sing on Wednesday 15 June and was conducted by Sonya Shone and Diana Rhodes.  

Their programme consisted of: E ’Otua, A Traditional Tongan Bahai Song, arranged by Steven Rapana which featured soloist Ariane Cordeiro. Shenandoah, arranged by Jeff Funk and accompanied by Liam Wu and Nice Work If You Can Get It which was accompanied by Liam Wu on the Piano, Marcus Pang on the Double Bass, Cedric Ybanez on the guitar and Christina Chaiatchara on the Drums. 

Judges’ comments included: “Your choir gave a confident and engaging performance across a varied programme that highlighted both technical skill and musical sensitivity. The group navigated contrasting styles with commendable focus, from the reverent and dignified moments to the more playful and rhythmically vibrant sections. Soloists brought distinct personality and depth, enriching the overall presentation. Well done on a memorable recital.”  Congratulations to our Choir as they received a Big Sing Commended Award. 

Our singers showed dedication to their rehearsals to present a polished performance both at the competition and at the Gala night and represented Sancta Maria College well. Our choir was buzzing for days afterwards and are looking forward to performing again soon. 

Play it Strange
Earlier this term Mike Chunn and Rei promoted the Play It Strange songwriting competition at our music department for the first time at Sancta Maria College and this was met with enthusiasm from our students. 

We are now pleased to announce and congratulate Sweeney Cahilig a Year 9 student who entered her song Changing Seasons and is a Finalist in the 2025 Peace Song competition which was judged by Bic Runga.  We are so proud of what Sweeney has achieved as there were the highest ever entries, 194, who entered the competition! As a finalist, Sweeney will have a full day at a professional recording studio of her choice to record her song, with a producer up to the value of $800 + GST which will take place between July-October 2025. Congratulations, Sweeney! 

Please see the remaining timetable for music events this year: