The Ukulele Kids’ Jam, which is in its sixth year, attracted over 1000 children from 45 schools. Ruth Buchanan and Ali Caldwell were ably supported by the Activate Music Academy, a range of Super 15 champion Highlanders and the captain of the NZ White Ferns.
The Marimba Day held at the end of 2014 saw 150 children coming together to play tuned percussion. We were honoured to be joined by Len Buchanan who watched on with pride as the instruments he has handcrafted over the years brought forth beautiful music, played with boundless enthusiasm and skill by the children.We also presented workshops for Early Childhood teachers and ukulele teachers, and hope to expand our provision of workshops in 2016.
The MEO instrument loan scheme continues to provide much needed resources to schools – we currently loan tuned percussion, ukuleles and African drums on a termly basis. We hope to purchase a further set of tuned percussion by the end of the year.Thanks to Ruth Buchanan for chairing our committee this year, to Annette Preston for carrying out her role as Treasurer for more years than I can remember, and to Errol Moore for representing us on the MENZA Board.
