We took 44 Sistema Aotearoa students selected from 3 orchestras to the Sistema NZ Hui. In 2016 we hosted this event and this year it was held in Hamilton and was hosted by Sistema Waikato.
All 4 Sistema NZ programmes were able to came together for a day of workshops, friendship and playing and performing. Our students participated enthusiastically in all the workshops, enjoying interacting with new friends. Even the youngest students, despite the unfamiliar surroundings were happy to experiment with new ideas in musicianship, or play in small groups in sectionals. Tutors from the four participating programmes took the sessions providing an opportunity for our Sistema Aotearoa students to experience different teaching styles and approaches to concepts.
An aim of the day was for the children to feel a sense of belonging to a ‘bigger picture’ than their immediate programme and to make new friends and this was definitely achieved –they was a lot of laughter as they played and readily they chatted with each other about their home, school and musical lives.
The day ended with a concert presentation to an appreciative audience. In addition to individual pieces from each group all the students sang as a 4 part choir. Sistema Aotearoa student Enyah Talamaivao gave a short speech outlining the impact being part of Sistema Aotearoa had had on her life.
The highlight of the Sistema NZ Hui was the 130 strong combined string orchestra who played a selection of pieces conducted by Jess Hindin (Sistema Aotearoa) With students of 3 different ability levels there were 8 different parts being played – but she managed to make them sound fantastic!