The RVS Music Academy provides an avenue for students to receive music tuition on-site during the school day, both vocally and in a variety of instruments. Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to perform, be that in school assemblies or publically with the school orchestra or choir. In 2020 tuition will be given in the following instruments:
Clarinet
Drums
Guitar
Keyboard
Saxophone
Ukulele
Vocals
OBJECTIVE To support the holistic education of children by giving RVS students the opportunity to discover and develop their musical abilities and share them with others for the glory of God.
PHILOSOPHY
Learning music teaches many life skills, encourages commitment, enhances memory, gives confidence, and provides many other unique opportunities for growth of character!
A student need not show special talent in order to be eligible for music-making.
Everyone has the capability to make music and everyone should have the opportunity to learn music.
Sharing music with others is important for improving musical and performance skills: using our talents to bring enjoyment to others is a Godly concept.
Stephanie Ham Stephanie grew up singing, playing various instruments, and worship leading with both her family and youth bands in church. Music and leading church worship has always been a big part of her life, and it’s something she and her husband Mark (an excellent bass player) are passing on to their four children. Here at RVS, Stephanie co-ordinates the running of the RVS Music Academy, conducts the school’s orchestra and choir, and tutors Guitar and Ukulele lessons. Out in the community, the Ham family enjoys taking part in the local Musical Theatre productions and help with the running of TEMPO (Today’s Emerging Musicians Performing Onstage) concerts held six times a year. Encouraging young people to grow in their musical ability and to perform confidently for the glory of God is a key aspect of Stephanie’s ministry. In her spare time she lets her creativity flow by writing songs and piecing together large picturesque jigsaw puzzles.
Charlotte Panoho Charlotte has been playing saxophone and clarinet for 10 years and piano for 14 years. She gained her Trinity College Grade 8 piano in 2014, won the Rotary Scholarship for her contribution to music in the community in 2015 and is currently completing a Trinity College diploma in Piano Teaching. Interacting with people and learning from their many different cultures and backgrounds is a highlight of her home life, where she also assists her Dad in music production and recording. Her other interests include photography, history and tramping.
Alison Dight Alison teaches vocal lessons at RVS. With over 27 years of performing on stage, she has competed in many vocal competitions and performed in over 10 theatre shows. Alison studied vocals and drama at Excel School of Performing Arts, graduating in 2003. Currently Alison is a vocal tutor at Marlborough Children's and Youth Theatre and spends her spare time performing in Blenheim Musical Theatre shows as well as singing in the Worship team at Elim Church. Alison is a mother with her oldest child currently at RVS. She enjoys being creative in many different avenues including sewing, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, and is an active member in two mother's groups
Annie Harper Annie grew up in a musical family and school taking part in musical productions, plays and attending choir. She has been playing drums in church worship teams for more than a decade and is currently playing regularly at Nativity Church. Since coming on board at RVS, Annie has been working at broadening the drum course to enable more students to develop their physical co-ordination and ability to play rhythms and beats in cost effective ways, with great results. Annie is married with four children, who all attend RVS. She is a qualified veterinary nurse and along with music she enjoys cycling, swimming, reading, arts and crafts in her free time.
Laura Pederson Laura grew up with a love for music and serving people and over the years she has been involved in several choirs and church music teams. Laura tutors our beginner keyboard students and junior choir and does a fantastic job with both. She is very passionate about seeing children develop a love for music and gaining a solid theory knowledge base whilst having fun along the way. Laura is a busy mum of two who attend RVS, and in her spare time she serves at Elim Church on the music team, Sparkz team, M&M's and Superkids.
