REPRESENTATIVE GROUP INFORMATION

Under this menu item is all the information that is vital for children who are, or wish to be, a member of one of the Representative Groups of the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival.

Participation in one of the Representative Groups of the Music Festival is like being selected for a Canterbury representative sports team and brings with it a great store of enjoyment, new friends and exciting opportunities for new learning in music making.

The festival is organised by the Christchurch School Music Festival Association Inc (CSMFA), a charity which is registered with the Charities Commission.

How it all works for the Representative Groups
  • In February each year, singers and instrumentalists from Christchurch primary and intermediate schools apply for an audition for one of the four Representative Groups: Junior Choir (Years 5 & 6), Senior Choir (Years 7 & 8), Concert Band or Orchestra
  • Auditions are held during May/June and the best singers and instrumentalists are selected for the Representative Groups
  • In August & September, rehearsals for the Representative Groups are held on several weekend days; the Rep Choirs rehearse their harmony parts for singing with the massed choirs, while the Concert Band and Orchestra rehearse their accompaniments for the massed choirs as well as their own pieces
  • In the first week of the Term 3 holidays, all Representative Group members attend the 3-day Holiday Course rehearsals
  • A Dress Rehearsal is held at the Town Hall on the Monday before the performance evenings
  • The Festival is held Tuesday – Friday with the Representative Groups participating on every night