Why Performing Arts


The performing arts play a key role in holistic education, developing students’ confidence, communication skills and creativity, and fostering teamwork and a sense of community. At ACG Strathallan we are passionate about unlocking students’ creative potential, through a performing arts programme that is rich and inspiring. 

Performing Arts

Performing Arts at ACG Strathallan 


Music, drama and dance play a powerful role in life at ACG Strathallan, and we encourage all students to participate in performing arts regardless of their level or abilities. With world-class facilities and a dynamic performing arts programme, students enjoy limitless opportunities to shine. 

Performing Arts on Offer


Music

Music

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Drama

Drama

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Dance

Dance

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Facilities

Facilities


The performing arts department boasts high quality facilities that allow students to reach their full potential. Our drama theatre is fully equipped with lighting and sound facilities, allowing students to learn the technical side of productions and performances.

Our music suite consists of two performance spaces which double as a small concert venue, and two keyboard/theory labs, providing diverse opportunities at a junior level, with the facilities to engage in extended performance, composition, and research as students reach the senior school.

Our practice rooms contain world class facilities, and in addition to functioning independently, they can also operate interconnectedly, with the entire department being able to function as one connected recording studio with different instrument groups in different classes able to record at the same time.

Josh McKay

Head of Creative and Performing Arts

Joshua McKay 

Joshua McKay has been a dedicated member of the Strathallan community since 2018. As a brass specialist, Joshua brings a wealth of musical expertise, also demonstrating proficiency on guitar, piano, bass, vocals, saxophone, clarinet, and flute. His vision is to create an environment where students feel comfortable showcasing their passion, expressing their creativity, and pursuing their goals with the support of their peers and teachers. 

Joshua's passion for jazz has led to the formation of ensembles and projects that have achieved regional and national success. He is equally committed to ensuring that the same high standards are achieved by Strathallan's chamber and classical groups, choirs, rock bands, and cultural groups, including Kapa Haka and Pasifika.

Performing Arts Competitions


  • Full School Musical 
  • Jazz Bands – Tauranga National Youth Jazz Competition 
  • Jazz Band – Auckland Jazz Competition 
  • Jazz Band – KBB Competition 
  • Concert Band – KBB Competition 
  • String Quartet – KBB Competition 
  • Jazz Ensembles – SAPACS Competition 
  • Chamber Ensembles – SAPACS Competition
  • Small Ensembles and Solo Artists – Stand Up Stand Out
  • Jazz Ensembles – Young Jazz Band-It Competition 
  • Drama Troupe – Shakespeare Festival 
  • Kapa Haka – Polyfest 
  • Pasifika – Polyfest 
  • Choir – Big Sing Competition 

Wins and Awards


Our talented musicians continue to strike all the right notes, earning national recognition across some of New Zealand’s most prestigious youth music competitions. 

In 2025, our ensembles returned to the Tauranga Youth Jazz Competition, delivering strong performances and earning a Bronze Award for the Al(most) Girls Jazz Combo and Silver Awards for the Double Cheeseburger Combo, Jazzcito, Stocktakers, and Trio of Four. 

The 2024 season was a standout year, highlighted by multiple Gold Awards at the Tauranga Youth Jazz Competition for the Double Cheeseburger Combo, Stocktakers, and Trio of Four. Exceptional individual honours went to Minho Choi, who was named Best Performer in a Combo and Best Young Arranger. Further accolades followed at the Auckland Jazz Competition, where the Stocktakers earned Gold, and at KBB, where our bands collected Silver and Bronze Awards across both jazz and concert categories. At SAPACS, the Double Cheeseburger Combo won the Small Ensembles division, while Minho Choi took out Best Drummer at Young Jazz Band-it 2024. 

Our success stretches back to 2023, with notable awards at both the Tauranga Youth Jazz Competition and KBB, cementing our reputation for musical excellence year after year. 

These achievements reflect not only the skill and dedication of our student musicians but also the collaborative spirit and creative energy that defines our jazz programme. 

Notable Student Stories


Minho Choi

Minho Choi – Alumni

Harry Kim

Harry Kim – Year 12

Queenie Zhao

Queenie Zhao – Year 8

Contact Us Today


Discover your child's hidden talents and potential with our extensive performing arts programme.