Bret Mckenzie Ambassador for the New Zealand Ukulele Trust

Bret Mckenzie Ambassador for the New Zealand Ukulele Trust

Academy Award winner and musical all rounder Bret McKenzie is the 2013 ambassador of The New Zealand Ukulele Trust.

The New Zealand Ukulele Trust is dedicated to improving young people’s access and participation in music by providing instruments, workshops, competitions and resources at no cost to families. It also stages the annual New Zealand Ukulele Festival, a free community event.

Bret McKenzie wholeheartedly supports this vision; “I'm really excited to be the 2013 Ambassador for the NZ Ukulele Trust. Not only because it's a ridiculously long title but also because I want to help bring music to more young people in New Zealand”.

As a young person Bret McKenzie was encouraged to try dance, music and sport. He learnt to play a number of instruments, including guitar, ukulele and keyboards. Bret McKenzie says “the ukulele is such an accessible instrument - easy to learn and great for a large group to play and sing along to.”

The New Zealand Ukulele Trust is delighted to announce the official appointment of McKenzie as Trust ambassador. “It is fantastic to have a New Zealand musician who has made it on the world stage endorse our efforts to get more kiwi kids accessing the benefits of learning an instrument,” says trust chairperson Mary Cornish.

Bret McKenzie, most famous for his international success as being one half of musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords and winning an Academy Award for song 'Man or Muppet' from movie The Muppets in February 2012. He has also been involved in local acts; most recently starring in NZ feature film Two Little Boys, a cameo in Lord Of The Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring and has also toured as part of dub/funk band The Black Seeds. He is also a founding member of the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra.

For further information on The New Zealand Ukulele Trust and the festival please visit www.nzukulelefestival.org.nz

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