"It is truly an exhilarating experience to be creating music with these young and talented students, who, as well as learning to play music in time, can also sing so well," Jane said.
"I think they are very brave indeed."
The Whakaaro Tahi Community Trust had only recently begun offering music tuition at Pompallier School. Twelve students were learning the guitar, violin, keyboard and cello, and were enjoying playing a range of pieces and songs, from Beethoven's Ode to Joy, himene and waiata to the more recent hit from Six60, 'The Greatest.'
The trust was delighted to welcome Eli as a member of the team of tutors. With a degree in music from Auckland University, and recently back in Kaitaia after several years performing on cruise ships, he has crafted an impressive record as a singer/songwriter, with songs and albums on Spotify, and has been chosen by Creative New Zealand as one of only nine songwriters in New Zealand to work on the Audience song-writing promotion that is currently under way.
"We are looking forward to hearing his composition," Sharyn said.
"Eli is a huge inspiration for our young and promising musicians, and an asset to the Whakaaro Tahi Community Trust's music programme.
"Our heartfelt thanks to Father Larry for his enthusiasm and faith in us all, and also for his beautiful tenor vocals, which have certainly been the glue in the broadcasts and a constant professional joy for us all in our several weekly masses," she added.
"Also our thanks go to the acting principal at Pompallier, Mrs Joanne Ryken, for welcoming the trust into her school and for her continuing help and support.
"Finally, the trust is grateful for the multitude of opportunities and experiences we have to teach and learn music, in all its forms, in the various schools and communities where we currently teach. We appreciate hearing how music has changed our students' thoughts, their lives and their hearts.
"Performances like Sunday's mass lift the trust's profile in the community, and this helps us obtain the necessary funding to continue providing this priceless music programme and equipment in our Far North communities and schools."
The trust is funded by NZ Lotteries, Pub Charity, Four Winds, Foundation North, Lions Mangonui, Hugo, Mazda, the Ashton Wylie Trust and COGS.