Music to schools
Bringing our music into classrooms across the Wellington Region
Transform your Classroom into a Concert Hall
Experience the magic of live music without leaving the school hall. Orchestra Wellington’s celebrated Music to Schools programme brings professional musicians directly to your students for an unforgettable, interactive musical experience.
Designed specifically for primary and intermediate schools across the Wellington region, our school visits break down the barriers to classical music, sparking curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for the arts.
Why Bring Orchestra Wellington to Your Students?
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Up-Close & Personal: Students see, hear, and feel live instruments up close – learning how music instruments come together to tell stories, express emotions, and create joyfu experiences.
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Curriculum-Aligned & Educational: Our performances support primary arts and literacy learning. Some shows include pre-visit resources for teachers to prep their classes.
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Interactive & Engaging: No sitting quietly in the dark! Students clap rhythms, ask questions, and actively participate in the performances.
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Accessible & Inclusive: We prioritize equity, ensuring our visits – including our flagship Beat it, Blast it! initiative – are fully accessible. Our model is created to ensure all schools have an opportunity to access the Orchestra Wellington Music to Schools programme.
How it works
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Submit Your EOI: Complete our quick online Expression of Interest form below to request a visit.
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We Match Your School: Our education team reviews applications and schedules visits based on regional touring routes and musician availability.
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Get Ready to Jam: We provide all the details you need to know before our musicians arrive at your school.
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Our Fees Structure: In order to make sure everyone has a fair chance at accessing our Music to Schools programme, High Equity Index (above 440 EQI) schools will not pay a fee. Schools between 440-415 EQI may be eligible for subsidised or free performances. Schools with an EQI below 415 are asked to pay a subsidised fee. Depending on the number of musicians involved in the show, this is usually between $300-$500.
Stories from the community
SOUNZ Commission
Our annual SOUNZ Commission engages the talents of an up-and-coming New Zealand composer to write an original work for our side by-side concert with Arohanui Strings, included on our fifth Subscription Series performance of the season.
We are PLAYING FOR YOU.
From unforgettable performances at the Michael Fowler Centre to vibrant events across Wellington’s streets, neighbourhoods, and shared spaces, Orchestra Wellington brings live music to the heart of our city and throughout the Wellington region. We perform alongside leading artists and creative partners, celebrate the moments that matter to our community, and create experiences that are welcoming, exciting, and alive with possibility.
Whether you are a lifelong concert-goer or discovering orchestral music for the first time, there is a place for you here. Explore what’s coming up and experience the energy, connection, and power of your orchestra.
See what’s coming up
View all eventsSee what’s coming up
From the enthralling performances at the prestigious Michael Fowler Centre to dynamic street concerts in iconic Wellington locations, every interaction with us is an immersive journey into the heart of live orchestral music.
