About Us

The Waikato Schools’ Symphonic Band is a community-based Symphonic Band which has been a fixture in the waikato youth music scene for around 30 years. It caters for primary, intermediate and junior secondary school students and exists to provide a supportive and encouraging environment where students can gain self-confidence, make lifelong friends and excel as musicians.

Each year the band aims to present a number of concerts both locally and nationally. In 2022 WSSB was the host band for the New Zealand Concert Bands Association festival held in Hamilton. It was very successful, great fun and in 2023 we are looking forward to participating in the next festival in Auckland amongst other events.

The band rehearses during term time from 6 - 8pm on Thursday evenings at St Paul’s Collegiate School. New members are always welcome, so if you are interested in finding out more about the band and/or joining, please complete our online form.

Musical Director

Oliver Barratt is a Hamilton-based Musician, Teacher and Conductor. He currently teaches High School Music at Waikato Waldorf School and is a Band Director/Itinerant Teacher at St Paul’s Collegiate School and Hukanui School.

In an earlier life, Oliver played Clarinet in WSSB as a high school student, returning as Musical Director almost 15 years later in July 2019. While he is principally a Clarinetist, Oliver has played and taught the Flute, Saxophone, Oboe and most recently the Bassoon in schools. He also occasionally dabbling on Trumpet.

When not playing, conducting or teaching Oliver likes to indulge in his recently discovered talent for demolition and DIY.

Oliver playing in the band in the Matamata Festival of Music 2023.

Practice Rooms

The band practices in the music department of St Paul's Collegiate School in Hamilton. We welcome all inquiries by students and/or their guardians interested in participating in the band, but request that they first make contact with us before visiting us at our practice rooms.

Practice Times

Practice times are Thursdays during school terms 6-8pm.

Fees

Fees are $80 per member per year with discounts available to families with more than one member. Additionally band members are required to provide a black folder for their music.