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Organisation and planning

The idea for the musical get-together was first proposed at a committee meeting of the Wellington Society for Music Therapy in 2001. Originally it was conceived as a showcase for music therapy, but the committee soon realized that this was neither practical nor appropriate for a schools' concert.

Mary Hepburn (President) and Colleen Jesson (Executive committee member and music teacher at Naenae College) worked with a group of schools with special needs students, and in 2002 the first concert was staged. The 2003 concert was the second of what it is hoped will become an annual event.

Sponsorship for the event was generously supplied by Petone Pak'N'Save and Hutt City New World. Naenae College provided the venue, a compère (Colleen Jesson), and the stage management and equipment.

Success factors
Several key factors contributed to the success of this event:

  • Participating schools all have music as part of their teaching programme, involving classroom teachers and itinerant music teachers and/or music experts, along with strong support from music therapists.
  • Teachers in these schools believe in the potential of music for students' development – for all students, and in this case particularly for students with diverse needs – and see music-making as pivotal to holistic learning, which enhances quality of life.
  • Naenae College was well organised, and took pride in presenting the concert in a warm and comfortable environment that was suitably equipped with quality musical and stage equipment.
  • Participating schools are committed to the whole performance process, with students and teachers having a strong sense of purpose and positive outcome.
  • Parents, caregivers, and supporters – including the schools' principals – all attended the concert, giving it status and value.
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