Kaiti School workshops end in ‘beautiful’ performance.

Kaiti School Year 7 students enjoyed a sensational creative opportunity brought to town by Chamber Music New Zealand (CMNZ) and the Gisborne International Music Competition (GIMC).

Over three days the students took part in workshops run by CMNZ violinist Cathy Irons, Leea Lamatoa (singer-songwriter) and Sarah Elsworth (contemporary dancer and choreographer).

The residency at the school culminated in a beautiful performance on Friday.

Irons, who is also the engagement artist for CMNZ, said the small team of artists worked and played with the students, teaching them instrumental, composition and movement skills.

“The students contributed and formed their own short items,” she said.

The school was delighted to host the programme, and with its term three kaupapa being ngā atua Māori (the Māori gods) and the environment/sustainability, these themes were incorporated into the rehearsals and performance.

“The tamariki have had a wide variety of different arts experiences — from dancing to playing instruments to composing their own songs,” Irons said.

“The school requested they all have a go at all the experiences, rather than just focusing on one, so you can imagine it has been a busy time.”

The process for the programme was important — learning about music by making music.

The students created and developed their works from day one, and the performance showcased what they had learned.

GIMC has refocused its work in Gisborne this year.

After the upheaval of Covid-19 the familiar and loved annual competition has been replaced by a series of community workshops, bringing professional performers in to work closely with schools and other groups in Gisborne with the specific aim of “learn, connect and create”.

The performance at Kaiti School was the latest of those.

More musical residencies, mentoring programmes, workshops and touring concerts are planned for the region.

The artists thanked GIMC trust chair Dame Bronwen Holdsworth and the board for their support, as well as Kaiti principal Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton, deputy principal Mandy Owen, and Year 7 teachers Sandy Matenga, Pauna Manuel and Hamuera Moana for hosting and welcoming the artists, and supporting the programme.

“I would like to encourage all of you to give this performance your best shot,” Cathy told the students.

“Be bold and be confident. You've worked and focused well for the last few days, so now is the time to go for it and have fun.”

Their enthusiasm, enjoyment and the “buzz” in the room was clear, and smiles on their faces showed GIMC's new direction is already paying dividends.