Programme hits right notes

The director of the new programme teaching music to Whangarei kids knew as soon as she had heard about the scheme that it would be perfect for Northland.

The El Sistema programme was launched in Latin America, and Fiona Douglas was part of the Auckland programme before introducing it to Whangarei students at the beginning of this year.

Ms Douglas said the programme is more than just learning musicianship, but teaching children about being part of a team, good listening and attention skills, and letting people have a share of the spotlight.

"We know that as they go through this programme their concentration is going to improve, their fine motor skills, and their ability to focus," she said.

The response from children participating has been very positive.

Otangarei School and Totara Grove Primary were both participants in the programme's initial introduction to schools, with two classes a week.

Miles Ferris, principal of Otangarei School, said the kids and the teachers were buzzing with excitement over the programme.

He said the students loved it, and teachers were amazed at the good behaviour shown by children during the classes.

Sistema Whangarei is now taking registrations for an after-school programme that will be held at the old Maori Women's Welfare League offices on William Jones Drive in Otangarei.

The after-school programme will build upon skills such as rhythm, melody; the students will use "whisper instruments" to improve their confidence, before graduating to string instruments and orchestral musicianship.

Any violins, cellos, violas, or double basses that are no longer being used can be donated to be played by the next generation of musicians at Sistema Whangarei, 9 Lupton Ave.