Community engagement programme proving a hit

Didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton took a workshop as part of a collaborative community engagement programme which will be run again in 2024 Picture by Liam Clayton

Gisborne International Music Competition Trust and Chamber Music New Zealand are striking the right note through a programme to promote musical engagement at community level.

“The GIMC Trust has been working with Chamber Music New Zealand over the past two years to bring a series of community music engagements to Gisborne and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says trust chair Chris Tilghman.

For more than 30 years, the GIMC has attracted musicians between 16 and 25 years from around the world to be part of the competition.

Due to Covid-19 border restriction, a decision was made to cancel the 2021 competition, marking the end of the competition format and a move towards a community engagement programme.

“GIMC is very happy to bring such a diverse musical engagement programme to  Tairāwhiti,” Mr Tilghman said. “As new chair, I am delighted to be working with a wonderful group of colleagues to build on the decades of essential contributions made by community members like our most recent past chair, Dame Bronwen Holdsworth.

“We have so much music to make together and an exciting year ahead.”

The  Tairāwhiti Community Engagement Programme 2024 got off to a promising start with didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton taking a packed workshop of more than 100 school children in March.

This year’s programme will include a series of workshops and opportunities all centred around music — from songwriting, through to multi-artform school residencies and a masterclass with professional touring musicians.

The programme has three distinct areas of focus — learn, create and connect.

The programme is designed with the intention of delivering benefits to a wide range of participants of all ages and musical experience, including people living with disabilities, at-risk youth and students from intermediate and secondary schools.

The violin programme will continue with local tutor Anda Vitola providing lessons for 20 years 6 to 8 students and ending each term with a performance for family and friends.

Later in the year there will be two three-day school residencies. One will be at Ilminster Intermediate where participants will explore multi-disciplinary activities including music, musical theatre and kapa haka.

A similar programme will take place at Kaiti School in August, with Cathy Irons from Chamber Music New Zealand teaming with fellow teaching artists Justin Rogers and Bray Jeffrey to take the programme.

Similar programmes have also been scheduled for Matapuna Training Centre, which works with teenagers and young adults, and Tauawhi Men’s Centre.

“The Tairāwhiti Community Engagement Programme is a perfect example of partnership working at its best and we are delighted to be presenting a range of initiatives throughout the region in 2024 including school residencies, workshops and instrument-specific lessons,” Chamber Music New Zealand chief executive officer Michelle Walsh said.

“Music serves as a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of any community, enriching its cultural tapestry and fostering a sense of belonging.

“Our programme is participant-led, providing an outlet for creative expression and allowing those involved to convey emotions, stories, and aspirations that resonate with others.”