Previous Composers in Residence

2010 Alexandra Hay

We were fortunate to have Alexandra Hay as our 2010 Composer in Residence, before she left for Standford University, California, to complete a Doctorate in Musical Arts. Alexandra studied Music at Victoria University before tutoring and teaching Composition at the New Zealand School of Music. More recently she has been managing the Young Musician's Programme at the School of Music. During her five years at Stanford she will be on a Fulbright Fellowship and study under the renowned composer, Professor Brian Ferneyhough.

While at Marsden, Alexandra taught Composition and helped prepare the Choir for The Big Sing Competition. She was impressed with the Marsden Choir, for whom she is writing a two part lullaby piece of music. "I was struck by how beautiful the tone of the singers is, quiet, resonant and melodic," she said.

2008 and 2009 Jonathan Crehan

For 2008 and 2009 we welcomed Jonathan Crehan as our Composer in Residence. During this period he wrote a number of pieces and arrangements for the school as well as taking Sibelius software workshops. He helped conduct the orchestra and senior chamber choir, accompanying students on the piano and assisting with Marsden's annual House Music Competitions.

In his first year Jonathan wrote Fresh Wind Fresh Fire for the senior chamber choir to perform in the Big Sing Competition. He also re-tailored his orchestral work, Voytek's Last Dance to fit the forces of the Marsden Symphony Orchestra. In 2009, he wrote a 5 piece orchestral suite for the orchestra called, Headlines as well as arranging pieces by Verdi, Brahms and Rimsky Korsakov for the school orchestra.

Jonathan is currently employed as Marsden's official teacher of composition, a testimony to his hard work, dedication and obvious talent.

2007 Patrick Savage

Patrick Savage comes to Marsden having just graduated from Amherst College, a prestigious American university. He received summa cum laude (highest honours) for his composition thesis, a 4-movement suite for big band and choir based on the Calvin & Hobbes comic strips, in which he played piano, sang and conducted the choir. He also established his own funk band, the Funk Department, and directed the Zumbyes, an a cappella group who were placed third in the 2007 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.

During his residency Patrick composed a choral piece for the Senior Chamber Choir to a biblical text provided by the Principal, Mrs Eadie. He also taught Year 10 and 11 music classes and helped students prepare for the annual House Music competition.

2006 Chris Gendall

Mr Chris Gendall began his residency at Marsden at the beginning of term 3, 2006. Chris is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Cornell University. Read what Chris has to say about his residency at Marsden.
"Marsden has a vital musical tradition which is clear from both school activities as well as an involvement in the wider musical community. The composition residency is a chance for me to share my music and ideas with students and contribute, where I can, to the musical energy around the school.
This residency has been a tremendously enlightening experience. It’s allowed me both a creative space for my work and a connection to a community dedicated to high-calibre musical pursuits. Composers always relish opportunities to work with musicians who approach new ideas and concepts with fresh ears. Marsden has been an ideal vehicle for voicing and discussing my ideas about music.
An exciting part of the residency is the chance to compose a new work for the school. This piece will feature the Senior Chamber Choir and Groovy Strings, and is designed as a custom-fitted spiritual.  Spirituals are an often-popular genre with young choirs, and this was an opportunity for me to work idiomatically for the strengths of these musicians, and to acknowledge my passion for popular music styles."

2005 Antonia Barnett-McIntosh

In 2005 we were fortunate to have Ms Antonia Barnett-McIntosh as our Composer in Residence. Antonia graduated with a B Mus (hons) from Victoria University and while at Marsden spent time playing with Groovy Strings composing a set of 3 short pieces for them. In April 2006, our Year 13 music committee organized a Variety Concert as a fundraiser for World Vision and a special feature of the evening was the premiere performance of the first movement of music composed for Groovy Strings by Antonia.
During her residency Antonia worked with Year 7 and Year 9 students as well as with the senior music students encouraging them to think creatively when listening to new music.

2003 Natalie Howell

Ms Natalie Howell began at Marsden in early September 2003 for a five-week residency. Natalie is in her last year at Victoria University working towards a BMus with Honours in Composition and a BA in Political Science. She teaches piano privately and is involved in Saturday morning music at Raroa Intermediate School.
During her Residency Natalie worked with music students composing a Christmas Carol which was sung by the School at Marsden’s 2003 Carol Service. She also tutored the girls in the use of Sibelius software.
Natalie was formally introduced to the school community at the Swainson Memorial Music Competition and showcased one of her own works, played by a group of school musicians. She addressed the whole school at Assembly giving the students a fascinating glimpse into a composer’s world.
Marsden is most appreciative of the generosity of the Parents Association in supporting this inaugural appointment.