Te Rauhii students Photo: Supplied / Te Rauhii
El Sistema, the classical musical outreach programme which came out of Venezuela, has inspired many similar schemes around the world. Te Rauhii started off as Waikato's version.
But as the scheme matured, its organisers wanted to cultivate music from local sources as well as the classical world.
Te Rauhii Programme Manager Jex Moore Photo: Supplied / Jex Moore
That's why it changed its name from Sistema Waikato.
Te Rauhii is now ten years old, and it's celebrating this weekend with a concert at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts in Hamilton.
Bryan Crump spoke with Te Rauhii's Programme Manager, Jex Moore, ahead of the concert, which will feature singing as well as instrumental music.
Moore's own background is in acting, a skill which she's found useful in helping to bring shy kids out of their shells.
She estimates the scheme has so far helped over a thousand Waikato children since its formation in 2015.
She told Crump giving kids the gift of music is just one Te Rauhii's aims. It's also about giving children confidence to take on challenges in their wider lives.
Te Rauhii students Photo: Supplied / Te Rauhii
