Students to perform with Kiwi music idols

March 9, 2006

Students to perform with Kiwi music idols

What price playing live on stage at a major public concert to an audience of more than 1,600 in the Auckland Town Hall – accompanying your favourite Kiwi music idol?

On May 21, 50 sixth and seventh form musicians from Auckland get the opportunity to find out.

It’s all part of the Band of Strangers programme run by the Play It Strange Charitable Trust to bring into the spotlight the best musicians hidden in our secondary schools..

The professional artists hosting the concert are being announced on March 23 and some of the country’s biggest names will be amongst them.

Year 12 and 13 secondary school students from Auckland apply to Play It Strange for the chance to audition with their idols in the days leading up to the concert. Following the auditions, the professional musicians choose the 50 to perform with them at the May concert.

The Play It Strange Charitable Trust was established in late 2003 and chief executive and former Split Enz and Citizen Band member Mike Chunn says the event promises much.

“This will be an unforgettable night for everyone involved but especially so for the musicians.

“On the performance side, it will be a huge celebration of New Zealand music for everyone there. But it also affords a wonderful opportunity for New Zealand to encourage and foster new musical talent.

“The concept of empowering young people with an opportunity such as this brings out the very best in them. Get ready for an absolutely superb night of music,” Mr Chunn says.

While the inaugural Band of Strangers concert is in Auckland, Mr Chunn expects the trust to expand the programme further afield in coming years.

Tickets for the May 21 concert are available from Ticketek and go on sale soon. The concert is presented by Play It Strange in partnership with the Lion Foundation and the Edge which are providing the Town Hall free of charge for the show.

About Play It Strange: The Play It Strange Charitable Trust was formed in November 2003 by a group of New Zealand musicians to encourage young New Zealanders to develop interests and skills in music, composing and performance. In promoting this purpose, the Trust also wishes to

1. provide young New Zealanders with positive role models;
2. give life skills to young New Zealanders, such as self-confidence, reliability, responsibility, communication and leadership; and
3. encourage and facilitate opportunities for young New Zealanders to make and experiment in music that reflects New Zealand's unique characteristics.

ENDS

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