Tahuna Music Update

From clarinet lessons to marimba bands, from the Dunedin Ukulele Jam to Band Quest, music at Tahuna Normal Intermediate School is buzzing.

Term two saw all classes pummel away on marimbas and xylophones, learning the names of notes, band skills, melodies and bass lines. Some of the best tunes such as the tango and the Spider Pig song, sassed up with drums and other percussion, were performed at Friday assemblies to rave reviews.

Bands are practising in the music room and studio 14A during lunch times, and “Amped Up”, our top year 8 band, will compete in Band Quest on August 23. We wish them well.

At all times during the week, lessons in woodwind, brass, piano, drums, guitar and strings are well-attended and popular, and the Tahuna Thursday Orchestra (Thorchestra) is gearing up slowly but steadily for performances in term 4. Also on Thursday afternoons we can hear the great Tahuna Choir, run by Ms Coughlin, practise their songs with verve and enthusiasm.

Term three music classes are all about ukuleles, chords and great songs. Students are welcome to bring ukuleles from home for tuning and restringing (strings available at the Rockshop in town), so they can continue strumming along at home. Room18 is going to the Dunedin Ukulele Jam in the Town Hall on August 15 to jam along with a band and 600 other ukulele students from schools all over Dunedin. Despite the numbers, Tahuna's musicians are sure to stand out for sheer spirit.

Anna Bowen, music teacher