A new generation of strummers
More than 100 Kaikohe school children made their contribution to this year’s Upsurge Bay of Islands Arts Festival last week with an exuberant if slightly chaotic mass ukulele concert.
Pupils from Kaikohe West, Kaikohe East and Kaikohe Christian schools took part in workshops with The Nukes, arguably New Zealand’s most enduring and innovative ukulele band, culminating in an afternoon concert for their schoolmates and teachers at Kaikohe West.
The Nukes had performed in the old Waimate North showgrounds hall the night before.
Band member Ben Collier said each school selected about 30 children to take part in the workshops, the youngsters displaying varying degrees of musical ability but no shortage of enthusiasm. “They were really into it,” he said. The band had led hundreds of workshops at schools around the country over the past decade.
“It helps bolster our income so we can afford to stay away, it’s good for the community because it encourages an interest in music, and it keeps us out of trouble during the day,” he added.