skip to main content

I want to...

Current filter:

Rubbish & Recycling Rubbish & Recycling

Magical music in Camberley

The excitement in the air is obvious as these Camberley School students pick up their violins and cellos for just the second time.

They are a class of Year 4 children who are learning to play stringed instruments together in the Orokohanga Music programme; and already they are loving the experience.

Orokohanga has been set up by music teacher Ngaire Shand with a team of helpers she has built around her.

It has been a while in the planning, after the idea was triggered when she saw a television documentary three years ago on the value of using music to improve children’s social and mental well-being.

Pulling together the money, tutors and instruments to run the programme had not proved easy, said Mrs Shand. “I talked about it to everyone I could but it wasn’t until I talked to [Hastings District councillor] Sandra Hazlehurst in August that we made real progress. She just knew so many contacts and who to talk to.”

The programme is supported by Hastings District Council. “We are excited to have this programme offered to the children of Hastings.  The long term benefits to our community from this programme will be life changing,” says Ms Hazlehurst.

“The programme's aim is to build children’s self-discipline and confidence while developing life-long skills through playing orchestral instruments. Similar programmes around the world have proved very successful at raising children's aspirations, lifting their self-belief and their respect for others.”

On Thursday (May 12) it was officially opened with a blessing and morning tea.

The project is not stopping with this one class, says Mrs Shand. The Year 4s who started this term will continue to learn music while at the school, and the plan is to add a new Year 4 class each year.

Adding more schools to the programme is also on the wish list, however that will take money and instruments. “We’re asking people who have cellos and violins they no longer need to consider donating them, and we’re looking for a generous sponsor, or sponsors. It is a considerable commitment, but the programme is well worth it. The children will come out of it with a whole range of skills, social as well as musical, that will benefit our whole society,” says Mrs Shand.

 

 

4 October 2017

Back to Archive

Loading...

Hastings District Council - Copyright © 2024 Hastings District Council

Disclaimers and Copyright
While every endeavour has been taken by the Hastings District Council to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, Hastings District Council shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith. Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant government agencies. Hastings District Council cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content. Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced information or material is copyright to the respective provider.

© Hastings District Council - / +64 6 871 5000 / customerservice@hdc.govt.nz