This year, 500 West Auckland students rode music school buses to see magical performances by some of New Zealand’s best instrumentalists. At Auckland Philharmonia’s Discovery (for secondary schools) and Kiwi Kapers (for primary and intermediate schools) concerts, the tamariki experienced engaging high calibre live shows that connected them with music of the orchestra and its world-class professional players.
Pupils from New Lynn School were among those who joined the fun at the Kiwi Kapers concert in the Aotea Centre. The school’s Principal, Greg Roebuck, says this was “not only a fun, interactive excursion for the tamariki, but was also an opportunity for them to see a professional orchestra perform, which they may have never experienced otherwise. Live music performances are important for children’s development and wellbeing, positively impacting their lives. These concerts, and the provision of transport to and from the venue, gave our students access to music education that opens doors for them in the future.”
Auckland Phil’s Discovery and Kiwi Kapers concerts are two popular events in the orchestra’s schools music education programme that are attended by students from across Tāmaki Makaurau. In May, a total of 1142 secondary school students attended the Discovery concert, which was a special opportunity to hear legendary works performed live by the full Auckland Philharmonia in the Auckland Town Hall. Then, at this month’s lively Kiwi Kapers concerts for 2,826 primary and intermediate students in the Aotea Centre and Due Drop Events Centre, the orchestra explored storytelling through music, in partnership with The New Zealand Dance Company.
Transporting students to events in the CBD can be a significant barrier to participation, particularly for schools in West Auckland. Free buses carried the 500 West Auckland students and 50 staff to Auckland Phil’s schools’ concerts this year thanks to support of The Trusts Community Foundation (TTCF). Warren Flaunty, Chair of TTCF, says they are “proud to continue our support for Auckland Philharmonia’s music education initiatives, such as funding this bus transport for West Auckland students. It’s wonderful to see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they attend such a magical live music experience and it’s great to facilitate their access to these important opportunities.”
These concerts were delivered by Auckland Philharmonia’s Learn & Participate music education programme thanks to the orchestra’s core funders Creative NZ, Auckland Council, and Foundation North and the generous support of the Chisholm Whitney Charitable Trust, The Trusts Community Foundation (TTCF) and the Four Winds Foundation for Kiwi Kapers 2024 concerts, and the Potter Masonic Trust for the 2024 Discovery concert. Find out more about upcoming Learn & Participate events and programmes at aucklandphil.nz