Music has played an important part in the life of The Cathedral Grammar School since itopened in 1881. The music school is located in the Statham building and comprises a performance hall, choir practice rooms, music studios, music classrooms and a keyboard room.

The school's foundation as a Choir School to educate the boy choristers of ChristChurch Cathedral, gives the school a special character unique in New Zealand.

The Headmaster is the only New Zealand member of the Choir Schools' Association in England and we try to preserve in the great tradition of cathedral music.

As well as the Cathedral Choristers, there are some thirty pupils in each of the girls' and boys’ chapel choirs. In total, between eighty and ninety pupils are involved in choral singing. The choirs take part in recitals, tours and television work from time to time, as well as entertaining in the community on occasions. In addition there is a junior school choir that introduces younger pupils to the enjoyment of choral singing.

Instrumental music is also fostered in the school. A number of independent music teachers teach a variety of orchestral instruments at school. The school orchestra provides an opportunity for children who learn an instrument to experience the discipline and excitement of playing in a group. There is an annual music competition in the school where instrumentalists and house choirs have an opportunity to perform in front of parents.

The music curriculum is designed to introduce pupils to the basics of music literacy.

The biennial production of an operetta, in which all pupils take part, is an established tradition.

Music Brochure