The Paroa School Anthem

Kia Ora All,

Here is the finished Paroa School Anthem. Mr Sinton-White did an amazing job with the video, we're looking forward to debuting the song with the live band at assembly sometime in term 4!



Rock On,
Mr M

Haruru Ana

Kia Ora All,

Haruru Ana is a song that some of the students are finding quite challenging to sing. Here is a quick version sung by some R6 girls, if you're not sure about how to sing it check it out. These guys nailed it.

Official Paroa School Anthem

Kia Ora All,

Here is the Official Paroa School Anthem. The school band is ready to unleash this bad boy in assembly in week 5. Mr Sinton White will be doing some filming from week 9 onwards. We'll use the footage to create the ultimate music video. We're super excited about this one! Make sure you learn the song so that you can sing along in assembly and in the music video.

Rock On,

Mr M

The finished Paroa School anthem lyrics

Titanium - School Band

Kia Ora All,

Here is the link to the chords and lyrics for Titanium. We'll be looking at performing this in assembly soon. If you're in the school band, do guitar/ukulele lessons or are part of choir this resource will help you learn the song.

Rock on, 

Mr M

Introducing the Paroa School Lyric Writing Competition!

Two years ago we had an epic school song that fitted in with our school values at the time. Unfortunately, when the values changed at the start of last year the song was no longer relevant. Over the holidays I booked some time in Lydia St Studios and recorded a backing track for a new school song. I recorded myself singing an idea of some lyrics, but I think it would be much better if the lyrics were written by you guys so I'm going to run the Paroa School Lyric Writing Competition.

The rules are simple:

1. The lyrics must be about Paroa School and reflect the positive nature of the school and unique environment here. 
2. The lyrics must include the school values - The Four C's: Caring, Confident, Connected, Creative.
3. The lyrics should include other things such as BTB and generally paint a picture about how awesome this school is.
4. You must be happy for your lyrics to be used in the school song if you win. 
5. You may have to be prepared for suggestions about to make your lyrics BTB before we record if you win. 
6. They must be submitted to me by Friday the 3rd of June 2016 by 2.48pm.

Mr M's Tips for songwriters:

1. Check out my lyrics. You are welcome to keep any parts that you really like if you wish. Personally I can't see how you can make the chorus do a better job of making it clear that the song is about Paroa School so personally I would consider keeping this in your version. It's up to you though. 
2. Sing along with the backing track as you write your lyrics. Your lyrics must fit in with the melody of the song. See me if you don't understand what I mean by that.
3. Have fun, music is awesome

What will we do with your lyrics you may ask? Well, I plan to record some of the talented singers at the school singing it and we'll put it over the backing track. In term three we'll make a music video that includes the whole school and share it with the world. 

Here is the Anthem demo with my lyrics

Here is the Anthem backing track for you to sing along with

Guitar/Ukulele/School Band

Hey All,

The school band has been rehearsing weekly for the last few weeks and is almost ready to unleash the next incredible aural onslaught at an assembly soon.

Guitar and Ukulele lessons have also been underway. If your child is new to the instrument they are probably learning Blues Riff and Paint It Black (both picking songs). If you want them to get the most out of the instrument I suggest reading my guide to learning a song under the Rock 'n' Roll Collective tab. The advanced guys have been working on Wipeout and this week I'm going to work on some advanced pick technique with the song Thunderstruck with them.

Rock On,

Mr M

Week 5 is kickoff week for guitar / ukulele / school band

Hi all,

Thanks for all the sign up responses. If you're new to lessons I'll let you know this week if you're on the wait list or if there is a space for you to start in week 5. I was initially going to start lessons in week 4, but unfortunately will be at the Aquatic centre during lunch on Tuesday and Thursday due to swimming sports.

In the mean time, check out the videos on the blog and download the lead sheets to get back into practice. 

Rock on,

Mr M

Band / Guitar / Ukulele

I hope everyone is enjoying the start of the school year. I'm aiming to start school band and guitar/ukulele lessons again for this year in week four. School band will run Tuesdays at lunchtime and guitar/ukulele lessons will be Thursday lunchtime. Please email me or send your child to see me in Room 6 if they want to be involved in lessons this year. I'm looking forward to another exciting year of music here at Paroa School.  

Rock On,

Mr M

Hi Guys, welcome to 2016! I'm looking forward to another awesome year of music at Paroa School. Last year was a cracker and I've got some big plans for this year. Keep checking back as I update lessons and add new videos. I'm aiming to get guitar and ukulele lessons up and running sometime in the first few weeks. School band and choir will be up and running after that.

Rock on,

Mr M