Creating Joy in Music for 10 years! It's our BIRTHDAY!

Sistema Whangarei - Toi Akorangi began 10 years ago. On the 16th April 2013 we met at the Maori Women's Welfare League rooms and had the privilege to work with 16 tamariki. In the beginning we had no money and no instruments. Bunnings Warehouse gave us some materials and the Men's Shed made 35 "Whisper Instruments" for us. Whisper instruments are cut out shapes of violins and cellos which make no sound. All of the teaching artists provided their mahi free of charge and the tamariki had fun learning about playing the violin/cello and how music works. 10 years later and, with the support of our community, we are still going strong. We work with over 230 students every week. Students learn in ensemble for 7 weeks of every school term and for 4 holiday programs each year. They have the opportunity to perform in at least 8 concerts per year and many senior players have performed alongside the Auckland Youth Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Every Sistema student is able to have an instrument to take home and practice and can access music to practice and videos to support their learning. Students from Sistema Whangarei - Toi Akorangi receive high levels of music tuition and everything is provided free of charge. This incredible phenomena has been happening for 10 years and we thought that you would like the opportunity to support us in continuing to reach more tamariki and keep this treasure going for another 10 years .