Newspaper Article 1995 – Music for primary schools

Music for primary schools

Toots ‘n tunes, an “in school” instrumental music programme, was introduced to Hawke’s Bay in 1993.

Business owners Dean and Karoline Roberts both have university degrees in music education from the United States and taught here for several years before settling in Hawke’s Bay.

They saw that there was an opportunity for more instrumental music in the primary school system and today there are 22 schools involved in the programme in five different areas.

From the Hastings Area there is Clive, Hastings Central, Hastings Christian, Irongate, Lucknow, Parkvale and St Joseph’s.

From Hastings West there is Kereru, Maraekakaho and Raukawa.

From Napier there is Greenmeadows Hawke’s Bay Adventist, Onekawa, Port Ahuriri, and Tamatea.

From Central Hawke’s Bay there is Otane, Pukehou, St Joseph’s and Waipukurau primary and up north Crownthorpe, Pukehamoamoa and Waiwhare.

Toons ‘n tunes offers tuition on flute, clarinet, oboe, alto and tenor saxophone, trumpet, cornet, French horn, trombone and percussion.

Besides tuition Toots ‘n Tunes gives the students opportunities to perform at concerts and on tours.

For students who have been in the programme at least two years they run a solo and ensemble competition, at which students are adjudicated by outside judges.

School principals, teachers, BOT members or parents who are interested in getting more details of the programme can call 876 4971, or come to one of their meetings in Hastings on January 25 at St Andrew’s church hall at 7pm or Napier, on January 26, at the Tech Old Boys Gym at 7pm.

Photo caption – Dean Roberts with a group of young students.