For the Love of Christchurch

August 31st 2014
September is all about Christchurch as Jon Toogood of Shihad and Pacific Music Award winner Mark Vanilau bring their skills and inspiration to Canterbury schools.

We have a lot of good days at the NZ Music Commission, but it was an especially good one when Jon Toogood emailed us with this suggestion:

Why not invite some Christchurch school music students to the soundcheck at the all-ages Shihad show at Horncastle Arena on September 12? 

"It would be a great way for them to see what I'm talking about when it comes to performance tips," he explained. 

Don't worry Jon. You had us at hello. 

Thanks to Jon's generosity and the hard work and enthusiasm of three fantastic music teachers - Sue MacLachlan, Greig Bainbridge, and Christine Rowe - around 60 Canterbury students are taking up Jon on his offer. 

Jon will join students at their schools the following week for a day's mentoring each at Hillmorton High School, Hagley Community College and Rangiora College.

Dave Dobbyn keyboardist and two-time 2014 Pacific Music Award winner Mark Vanilau will also be Mentoring in September, following a tour of the UK. 

The Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme is also fortunate to have more Christchurch talent on board - Katie Thompson recently Mentored at Catholic Cathedral College and Jed Parsons of Jed and Hera (also a long-time Mentor) traveled south to work with Timaru Boys High School. 

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