Big Music Day 2020 cancelled
It has become an institution on the Taupō musical calendar but the 2020 version has fallen foul of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Big Music Day, which has been running for the last 20 years, involves close to 200 students from primary to secondary school age forming a giant orchestra and rehearsing four or five pieces before a one-off public performance.
But not this year for the event due on September 10.
“Though we don’t yet know whether we would technically be allowed to run this event, we feel that due to its nature, cancelling is the safest and most responsible decision,” said organiser Jo Paull.
“Since we have around 200 participants during the day, we are unable to physically social distance, and many of the instruments require blowing so we are unwilling to take the risk.”
In the 2019 incarnation 175 students attended from Taupō primary and secondary schools as well as homeschool students and a smattering from Rotorua and Tauranga schools.
With parts arranged for about 16 different instruments, the day, organised by the Taupō School of Music is designed to broaden the student’s musical experiences.
As well as learning to cope with different conducting styles and the skill of ensemble playing, such as learning how to count rests, come in on time and adjust volume, it also results in students looking to explore a wider range of music and instruments, said Paull following last year’s Big Music Day.
The call off follows the cancellation of the September 4 midday concert by Cellophonics as some Auckland members from the eight strong cello group had not been able to make rehearsals in Hamilton.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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81.9% Yes
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15.3% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Craigs Workplace Giving for Christmas in Waikato focused on front line
It has been a delight for us to again coordinate the annual Christmas-time Workplace Giving by Craigs Investment Partners' Hamilton branch.
We've now passed on $13,100 in grants of various sizes from Craigs and its staff to the five Waikato community organisations they have chosen this year, namely Cambridge Lifeskills, Cambridge Tree Trust, Hamilton Land Search & Rescue, Paws 4 Life (who provided the photo below) and Waikato Women's Refuge - Te Whakaruruhau.
Quinton de Bruin, Investment Adviser at Craigs says: “We’re really proud of our Workplace Giving program here at Craigs.”
“Employees opt in to donate from their monthly pay cheque, building up funds over the year which we then donate to charities in need at Christmas time.
“Craigs also matches employee donations dollar for dollar, up to $500 per person per annum, so it’s a great way to be able to make a meaningful impact in our local community,” says Quinton.
We say well played Craigs Investment Partners!