Free concert to showcase students' violin and cello skills

Heretaunga Intermediate School students practising the cello.

Students of the Orokohanga Music Trust will be putting on a public concert this week to showcase the violin and cello skills they have developed through the trust’s free tutoring programme.

The trust arose from the vision of long-time Hawke’s Bay music educator Ngaire Shand to develop a free string (violin and cello) instrumental programme for students in the community who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn an instrument.

Now, about 250 students from four Hastings Primary and Intermediate Schools – Ebbett Park, Hastings Central, Hastings Intermediate and Heretaunga Intermediate – receive free music lessons, and more besides.

“It’s been most gratifying to see the growth in our tamariki who are involved in the programme,” Mrs Shand said.

“The growth Is noticeable in both their performance and in their positive attitude and joy that they show at their lessons.

“Orokohanga is going from strength to strength which is a credit to our amazing tutors, supportive schools, donors and passionate trustees.”

Mrs Shand said that while professional instrumental teachers were employed to teach the classes, the trust relied on the generosity and support of trustees and friends. 

This included youth potential funding support from the Hastings District Council, which provided the initial grant to get the programme up and running, and has continued to support it through its Youth Potential project. 

 “Through both financial support and donations of instruments, we are able to provide a complete cello or violin outfit for each child,” Mrs Shand said.

“The instruments are maintained by and remain the property of the trust, and as the child grows, they are upgraded onto the next size instrument.

“The schools and whānau report a hugely positive impact on the children and the community as a result.” 

The general public will get a chance to hear the results of their hard work at the free concert on Wednesday, 23 November, at the Opera House at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre, starting at 5.30pm.

22 November 2022

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