NZ Music Month: '21 Degrees' Chosen for Hook Line and Sing-along on 31 May

Bruce Taiapa, a year 13 student from Gisborne, has won the 2012 New Zealand Music Month Song Competition. His winning song “21 Degrees” will be sung by thousands of students all over New Zealand for Hook Line and Sing-along, 31st of May at noon.

For the 3rd year the New Zealand Music Commission is collaborating with the national music teachers group, MENZA. Hook Line and Sing-along is a celebration of music month as well as advocating for more singing and music education in schools. Hook Line and Sing-along finds politicians and parents alongside students sharing the joy of singing and songs by New Zealanders.

Bruce flew to Auckland last week (courtesy of Grab-a Seat) to record at Stebbing Recording. Bruce, excels not only in music but Waka Ama, Squash and Te Reo Maori and aims to be a teacher. He was mentored by Tonga Vaea (3 Houses Down), one of the Music Commission's mentoring in schools team, while in Auckland. His track, "21 Degrees" was recorded this week. He spoke confidently in Te Reo Maori during his interview for Maori Television (Te Kaea, Weds 4/4). Before Bruce flew back he visited Musicworks' flagship store on Hobson Street and redeemed the prize voucher they provided for the competition. So it was a brand new electric guitar to check in on the return journey after his 2 days in Auckland.

Bruce commented that he is "so very glad that he took music this year!" Bruce actually has taken NCEA Music for the first time this year. His teacher is Jane Egan, at the Girls High School - a music department well known for fantastic teaching and results. Gisborne Girls High therefore wins the schools prize, sponsored by Piano Traders, Mt Eden.

Lead sheets for Hook Line and Singalong will be sent out to all New Zealand schools in the Education Gazette 23 April.
Lead sheets, mp3s, and backing tracks for Bruce's "21 Degrees", along with Hook Line and Singalong songs from 2011, "Things to Remember -Huarahi Tika" and 2010 "Made in NZ".

For more information re. Hook Line and Sing-along 31 May 2012 contact: stephanie@nzmusic.org.nz

For songs, lead sheets, mp3s ... (available for download) on www.nzmusic.org.nz/resources/
and MENZA's website www.tunemein.co.nz

For more information re. MENZA - Music Education New Zealand Aotearoa see www.tunemein.org.nz

Quick Downloads:

21 Degrees Full Track

21 Degrees Backing Track

21 Degrees Melody Guide