Top muso teaches Kawerau students a few tricks

Hani Tatorewa from Katchafire has special workshops with music students at Tarawera High School. Photo/file

Tarawera High School music students had a special visit from a top musician recently.

The original keyboard player from top New Zealand band Katchafire, Hani Tatorewa, visited the school for the day.

Tatorewa worked with Tarawera High School's music students from the Musicians' Hub and the Music Media Hub.

In the morning he ran workshops for the Year 11 students on guitar, keyboard skills and chords for writing songs.

In the afternoon he worked with individual bands and groups that are working on songs for Pacifica Beats and Rockquest.

Hani Tatorewa gives some help to Tarawera High School students. Photo/supplied

Student Raukura Munro said: "I think his teaching inspires young people to give music a go. He connects music with te reo Maori which I find draws our attention more."

Ruakura said Tatorewa formed a connection with the students and "broke things right down when he was teaching us".

The lessons from Tatorewa were supported by the New Zealand Music Commission.

Katchafire formed in Hamilton in 2000, originally as a Bob Marley tribute band.

Katchafire. Photo/file

They have released five albums, had hits including Giddy Up, Skanking and Who You With , toured the world and performed with greats such as Shaggy, UB40 and The Wailers.

- Supplied by Tarawera High School