Young musicians from four local schools will take the stage at The Boathouse on Friday night, helping raise funds for the Kids Love Music Charitable Trust.
About 30 students from Waimea Intermediate, St Paul’s, Tāhunanui and Victory schools will perform during the fundraiser before a charity auction rounds out the evening.
Among those performing is Waimea Intermediate band That’s My Jam, which will play Beat It by Michael Jackson and Best Day of My Life by American Authors.
The band has been supported by the trust, with mentor Margy Wallace visiting the school once a week to work with the students.
Year 8 guitarist Marcus van Enter has been playing guitar for six years and has previously performed at Bandquest, while fellow Year 8 student Callum Kirkhoff plays drums and has been learning for just under two years.
Keyboardist Emily Krammer, also in Year 8, has been playing for nine years and has been in bands since she was Year 6.
Kids Love Music trustee David Turnhout says giving young musicians the chance to perform in front of a live audience is “hugely important”.
“It builds confidence and gives them an opportunity to showcase what they’ve worked hard to achieve. It’s also great for them to see the community getting behind their music.”
The trust has supported young musicians across the region for more than six years, helping make music tuition more affordable for local primary and intermediate school students.
Trustee Annabel Boyes says about 350 students are involved in the programme this year through group lessons and school bands.
David says the cost of lessons, instruments and other expenses can be a barrier for families wanting their children to learn music.
“Kids Love Music helps remove some of those barriers so more children have the opportunity to experience, learn and enjoy music.”
Money raised at Friday night’s fundraiser will go back into the trust to help local children who might otherwise miss out on opportunities to learn and participate in music.
Auction prizes include dining and entertainment packages, a weekend vehicle hire, movie passes, a $1,000 advertising voucher, a record player, a legal wills package, a sidecar ride experience, a ukulele and music stand, as well as other donated goods and vouchers.
“The evening is about giving some fantastic young local musicians the chance to perform, while also raising funds and awareness for the trust,” David says.
The fundraiser will be held at The Boathouse on Friday, 16 October, starting at 6.30pm. Entry is by koha, and family-friendly dinner options will be available. To book a table, contact The Boathouse on 03 548 7646.
