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The Wairarapa Youth Orchestra
Roger Fraser
In 2022 the Wairarapa Youth Orchestra was established by Caitlin Morris and Andrew Atkins, as an educational orchestra targeting music learning and development for primary and secondary school students in the Wairarapa.
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The orchestra provides free music learning embodying teamwork, perseverance, and determination to achieve a common goal. Youth are encouraged to develop their musical skills by working with others of similar ages and competencies, forming bonds of friendship and a greater sense of achievement and relevance in their music making.
We strive to give all children equal and fair opportunities in our education of orchestral music and concert opportunities throughout the year. We have an open enrolment value, in which we accept all students of primary and secondary school age, no matter their ethnicity, ability level or background. We advertise our programme in all local schools, and parents or students contact us via email, Facebook or just come along to one of our rehearsals to enrol.
Our students are from the age of 5-17 ages of age, with a current role of 50 students (and growing). We have an extremely diverse group, with students of Māori, Asian, Indian, African, and European ethnicities. We have a strong value in our orchestra that we do not in any way discriminate against specific ethnicities, all are welcome.
Our students love meeting each other, and the older teenag- ers also become mentors building a relationship with younger members, helping them in rehearsals and concerts. Our arrangements are specifically catered to all our ability levels so students can feel confident in their music making and ensemble sound. We are lucky enough to have seven specialist instrumental tutors, who tutor our youth in rehearsals, concerts, and now our scholarship programme. Through our concerts, workshops, and events throughout the year, we aim to introduce as many students as possible to orchestral instrument learning and have a strong focus on giving back to our community.
For more information, contact Caitlin Morris on either wairarapayouthorchestra@gmail.com or phone: 022 642 5244.
