Who is this for?
Opononi Summer Music School is aimed at high school musicians, and is open to ages 12+. Adult players are welcome, but be aware that your role will be firstly to support the learning of the youth players. Players under 12 may request permission to attend, and must have a parent at camp.
Opononi Summer Music School is a concert band programme. This includes wind, brass, and percussion.
Am I Good Enough?
While the school is structured to cater to a wide range of music ability, a reasonable level of skill is required (2 years tuition or approx. grade 3). More importantly, because of the intensive nature of the week, a good degree of stickability is essential.
Where is it?
Accommodation is at Kokohuia/Te Whakarongotai marae in Opononi. Rehearsals are held at Opononi Area School. It is expected that all students enrolled in the course will stay on the marae. Previous attendees, please note that tenting on the marae grounds is no longer an option.
Cost?
The cost is $200. This covers accommodation at the marae, food, practise venue, and music.
How does it work?
The daily schedule operates on a 2 hours on, 2 hours off basis. The first session starts at 6.00am (yes, that’s right!), the last ends at 8.30pm. The periods between are for eating, relaxing, swimming, socialising. As a group we walk between marae and the practise venue at the Opononi Area School. At the end of the week a free concert is held for family and the local community.
Campers are expected to report to the marae by 3:30pm on Monday 13th January for a Pōwhiri & briefing.
The camp finishes on Friday 17th January with a community concert at Opononi Area School starting at 7.00pm. Adults & older teenagers are welcome to stay at the marae for the night following the concert to assist with packout the following morning. It is expected that younger players will be collected after the concert.