Hana the Glowworm leads tamariki on a musical journey through the NZ bush Image: Supplied
<h2><span data-contrast="auto">Music is unique among art subjects for its ability to inspire, provoke and connect across language, cultures and time. Its positive effects on mental health are well documented, though its mechanisms remain a mystery. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></h2>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For ākonga, especially young ākonga, music may provide a means of connection, expression and emotional release that words or images alone can’t provide. Additionally, an early introduction to music could foster a life-long love for the arts, which will carry tamariki well through adversity. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/latest-print-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read the Term 2 edition of <em>School News</em> HERE</strong></a></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For educators looking to inspire their ākonga with music, the latest project from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) and Chris Sanders may be the perfect opportunity to get tamariki acquainted with orchestral music, as well as New Zealand’s native fauna. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto"> The star of this musical journey is </span><a href="https://www.apo.co.nz/community-education/schools/hana-the-glowworm/" target="_blank"><i><span data-contrast="none">Hana the Glowworm</span></i></a><span data-contrast="auto">, and the free resource, developed by children’s musician Chris Sanders and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, follows Hana as she’s drawn from her cave by the sounds of music. On her journey, Hana meets various creatures endemic to New Zealand, and learns about orchestral instruments and their different sections. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The first instalment of the project is available now and is free for all primary schools in Aoteaora. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Educators can find two original songs in the first release, titled ‘Curious Creature’ and ‘World of Wonderful’. Each song has 10 accompanying lesson plans and extra material for kaiako interested in teaching with the resource. More songs are set for release in 2024, and a live stage show is planned for 2025. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Thomas Hamil, Director of APO’s outreach programme APO Connecting, says “music opens minds,” and he hopes to share the joy of music through “an inspiring, fun, locally-produced resource.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The project is the latest in a series of collaborations between APO and Chris Sanders, which have previously included the “111 Ambulance Song” and the </span><i><span data-contrast="auto">Teddy Bear Hunt Songbook</span></i><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Sanders describes the project as a “story full of fantasy, adventure and drama intertwined with magnificent orchestral music.</span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“It will be a huge sensory experience for children that will help them learn about different sections of the orchestra, celebrate our native wildlife and there’s plenty of <a class="wpil_keyword_link" href="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/2015/10/developing-opportunities-at-school-with-a-view/" title="opportunities" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" target="_blank">opportunities</a> for them to sing along and dance too!” </span><span data-ccp-props="{";201341983";:0,";335559739";:160,";335559740";:259}"> </span></p>
</blockquote>

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