On Thursday 4 and Friday 5 August some of our students were fortunate enough to be involved in an incredible programme through Chamber Music NZ and Jolt Dance Company called 'The Big I'.

The “I” stands for improvisation and the workshops were full-day music sessions specifically designed for students living with disabilities. Ten mainstream students involved in music lessons at Pāpāmoa College joined the programme working alongside the Tauranga Special School students.

Everyone was encouraged to discover their own sounds, experiment with musical instruments, and release their own creative voice. Rather than being led, each student creates their own work with the musicians responding to the unique strengths and qualities of the participant.