Sweet note for music school jubilee
Performers from a South Auckland music school are sounding the horns and strings as part of a special milestone.
The not-for-profit Papakura Music School is celebrating its 40th anniversary in September and is gearing up for a special celebration.
A dinner and dance will be held at the Off Broadway Theatre with performances by current and past members of the school.
The school, which is partly funded by the Ministry of Education, is run by parents and tutors with classes held on Saturday mornings at Mansell Senior School.
Margaret Fuemana, who attended the school when she was young, now has four children learning instruments through the charity.
‘‘There is no way we could afford to pay for private tuition for each of our children . . . we are very grateful for this amazing opportunity,’’ she says.
Music runs deep in the family including their late uncles Pauly Fuemana, famous for the song How Bizarre, and Phillip Fuemana who pioneered urban Pacific music.
Jesse, 16, started at the music school when she was 12 and learned a variety of instruments such as recorder, saxophone, flute and clarinet which she now teaches.
‘‘I love playing in a band,’’ she says.
The family have also enjoyed playing at community events including the Papakura Santa Parade.
Sam, 10, played on the float for the first time last year.
‘‘It was really fun . . . I got to play Pirates of the Caribbean ... I’ve never been in a parade before,’’ he says.
Musical director Paul Radden has been with the music school for 25 years. He conducts the concert band and teaches clarinet and saxophone.
The school has made a big impact over the years, he says.
‘‘Many of our pupils have moved on to have very successful careers directly or indirectly associated with playing music.
An anniversary dinner and performance will be held at the Off Broadway Theatre, 41 Elliot St, September 3 at 6.30pm. Tickets $20 available on Saturday mornings at Mansell Senior School, 50 Settlement Rd. Email secretary@papakuramusicschool.org.nz for more information.