Sistema Aotearoa| children’s orchestra prog

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and the New Zealand Ministry of Culture and Heritage are proud to administer ‘Sistema Aotearoa’: a children’s orchestra programme based on El Sistema, one of the world’s most successful music and social development initiatives, located in Otara, Auckland. Following a successful launch and on-going holiday and in-school programmes, there is an opportunity to participate and gain professional development during Sistema Aotearoa’s third holiday programme in October 2011.

Sistema Aotearoa is about more than teaching music. First and foremost, it is an early intervention project designed to enhance the personal and social development of the children and their families. It uses music making to foster confidence, teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children taking part and across the wider community. All tuition, access to instruments and participation is provided free of charge. It is our aim to remove all barriers to children taking part and the programme is fully inclusive regardless of physical, intellectual or emotional ability. The programme is based around intensive and immersive music tuition (strings only to the end of 2012), in a group setting, focusing on ensemble playing.

String players of 18 years and over, who are interested in social transformation for children through playing music together, and who would like to learn more about early musicianship training, ensemble string training at the early stages and the El Sistema approach in New Zealand are warmly invited to apply to participate in this PD opportunity.

You will be contributing and supervising during the 6 day programme, which includes a day workshop preceding contact with children, and a half day workshop at the conclusion of the programme. During the course we will receive input from a past graduate of the Venezuelan programme.

As well as contributing to the ongoing development of this already established programme, there may be longer term employment opportunities to become a tutor for Sistema Aotearoa.

The programme will be held as follows:

• Sun 9 Oct, 2011: 10.00am to 4pm, Philharmonia House, Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland (Tutor training and PD – no children present)
• Mon 10 Oct to Thurs 13 Oct, 2011 (inclusive): 9am-4pm, Otara Music and Arts Centre, Otara
• Friday 14 Oct, 2011: 10am to 1pm, Philharmonia House, Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland (Debrief, tutor training and evaluation – no children present)

Ideally participants should be available for the full programme, however please do still apply if there are some limitations on your attendance. This programme is being offered free of charge, and lunch will be provided.

The course will be directed by Sistema Aotearoa Programme Director, Dr Joe Harrop.