For the musicians of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, success in the Platform Programme is not measured by how well participants learn to play an instrument. It is measured by the confidence, perseverance and self-belief they discover through making music together.

That approach was recognised at Te Putanga Toi Arts Access Awards 2021, where the orchestra received the Arts Access Manatū Taonga Community Arts Award for the Platform Programme at Christchurch Men’s Prison.

First violinist Cathy Irons, who had been involved with the programme since it began in 2017, says the change in participants over the course of the programme could be profound.

“Watching the development of tū ora is so rewarding,” she says. “At our initial meeting they’re often a bit anxious or maybe a bit stand-offish. By the end of the eight weeks, they are strong and empowered and able to express themselves.”

In selecting the Platform Programme for the award, the judging panel said:

“We were deeply impressed by the versatility of the CSO as it extends and connects with its audiences through a transformational process of music and performance. Also impressive is its commitment to collaboration to help overcome fear and enable communication and pride in performance. World-leading in how it functions as an orchestra, its community outreach, research-led and strength-based approach is outstanding. This programme has had a profound impact on the participants in Christchurch Men’s Prison and on the musicians.”

Building confidence through music

The Platform Programme uses accessible instruments including plastic buckets, ukuleles, guitars and recorders to help participants build musical and personal skills.

Even learning a rhythm on a bucket drum can be challenging.

“Learning some basic skills on a bucket drum is actually a really complex thing to do,” Cathy says.

The programme began with a pilot in the prison’s youth unit in 2017. Cathy and two other orchestra musicians visited each day for a week, bringing their own instruments alongside buckets and ukuleles.

At the end of the week, the men performed for whānau, Corrections staff and others in the unit. For many, it was the first time they had performed for an audience and been applauded for something they had created.

The pilot developed into a regular eight-week programme for adult tū ora in the Navigate Unit, which supports men preparing for release.

“We find that the impact of doing it over eight weeks is a lot deeper,” Cathy says. “It gives the men time to absorb the information and a chance to think about what they’ve learned in between times.”

Working towards a shared goal

The final concert remains a central part of the programme. It gives participants something tangible to work towards and shows what can be achieved through persistence and collaboration. Cathy says, 

“It gives the men a purpose and a goal, and it also helps them realise it can only happen if they stick at it. The guys often say they are amazed at how much they enjoy the experience of pushing through and absorbing information.”

The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra developed the programme with prisoner reintegration organisation Pathway Trust. Platform became part of Navigate, a wider pre-release initiative delivered through a range of community partnerships.

An independent evaluation commissioned by the orchestra found the programme helped build confidence, motivation and openness to learning.

One participant said:

“If I can learn these skills, then I can go out and learn other things.”

Another reflected on the importance of perseverance:

“If I try something new and I keep at it, I’ll get good at it.”

Connections beyond the programme

The relationships formed through Platform have sometimes continued after participants leave prison, with former tū ora and their whānau reconnecting with the orchestra and its musicians in the community.

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Gretchen La Roche says the programme has created meaningful shared experiences for everyone involved.

“It’s great to see everyone growing from their shared experiences.”

Through music, collaboration and performance, the Platform Programme has shown how community arts can build confidence, strengthen motivation and support people as they prepare for life beyond prison.