The Hikutaia School Hall was alive with the sound of music on July 18, as students and staff took part in an interactive afternoon called Harp Play with Thames harpist Anna Dunwoodie.
Ten harps were spread around the hall for students and teachers to have a tinker and see what it felt like to play the harp, while Anna moved around the room and helped the budding musicians.
Principal Wayne Whitney said the lesson was informative, interactive and unique.
He said he noticed the kid’s faces, their excitement and instant satisfaction.
“It was as if they were all transformed into musicians performing on a stage. She made the kids lie down and close their eyes while she played. I felt like I was transported to the Middle Ages.
“It was calming and relaxing to hear the unique sound of the harp,” he said.
The Harp Play visit was funded by the Creative Communities Scheme, which is from Creative New Zealand and managed by Creative Coromandel/ He Mana Toi Moehau Trust, the musician told The Profile.
For schools in the Hauraki or Thames-Coromandel Districts interested in having a fully-funded Harp Play visit, the harpist said to get in touch with her.
“While I haven’t got any funding lined up at present, the next funding round opens in a few months, and I’m keen to get into more kura.”
DETAILS: Email Anna Dunwoodie on harpmad@gmail.com.
