PRESS RELEASE
15 Aug, 2005

(published in Gisborne Herald 23 Aug, 2005)

Brazilian musician Nego Beto will deliver two percussion workshops to deaf and hearing impaired school children and teens in the Tairawhiti district.

The project, recently approved for funding by the Gisborne District Council’s Community Arts grant scheme provides for two workshops, to be held on 24/8 and 7/9. Both workshops will be held at Te Wananga O Aotearoa, Whirikoka (Gisborne) Campus.

Organizer and Advisor for Deaf Children Sue Midford is excited about the opportunity the children will have to experiment with rhythm.

“I am always looking for things that will push the children’s limits, as well as things they will enjoy doing together,” Sue says. “And I know they are going to be rapt with the chance to try the various instruments and feel the sounds in different ways.”

The children suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss.

Beto is also looking forward to working with the young people. He plans to focus on their abilities, rather than their disabilities. “Drums are great for everybody,” he says. “I know the kids are going to enjoy a lot.”

For more information on this project please contact Sue Midford on smidford@vanasch.school.nz.