Arts Access Aotearoa“Can I try the cello?” asked one of the men in Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility attending a music workshop led by musicians from the Auckland Philharmonia.
The musicians invited him to take the instrument’s bow and moments later, his peers joined him – all eager to learn, listen and take part in the orchestra’s workshop held in the prison’s Fale Pasifika.
Serco Programme Facilitator Ruth Menzies says that what followed was a powerful, moving experience. “It reminded everyone of the way that music connects people, opens minds and creates shared moments of joy.”
Over the past two years, Serco has collaborated with Auckland Philharmonia to deliver a voluntary three day Soundscapes music experience for groups of 18–20 men, as part of its rehabilitation programmes.
Serco is responsible for managing the operation of Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility for Ara Poutama Aotearoa Department of Corrections.
Broadening horizons and supporting personal growth
Ruth says the kaupapa of the music programme is simple but profound. “For Serco, it’s about creating positive cultural experiences that broaden horizons and support personal growth. For the Auckland Philharmonia, it’s about taking music to the wider community.
“For many of the men involved, the Soundscapes experience offers a rare opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, express themselves creatively and escape the everyday through sound and shared learning.
“From the very first workshop, the atmosphere has been warm, respectful and full of anticipation. Participants introduce themselves, thank the musicians for being there and take their seats, ready to participate.”
Rather than performing to the men, the musicians play with them – inviting everyone to join in on bucket drums, guitar, vocals and percussion. From classical pieces by Bach and Piazzolla to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and Six60’s “Don’t Forget Your Roots”, the Fale is filled with energy, laughter and connection.
Bringing music to the men
Claudia Ruff, Auckland Philharmonia’s Community Engagement Lead, says, “Our kaupapa for this project is to bring music to the men, and most importantly invite them to make music with us to foster positive experiences and raise their self-confidence.
“We also aim for everyone in the room, including staff and musicians, to share in moments of inspiring connection through music.
“For me, an unforgettable highlight was hearing the men sing waiata together, perfectly in tune, filling the space with an uplifting and deeply moving sound.”
Auckland Philharmonia delivers this Soundscapes initiative through its Learn & Participate programme, which offers numerous opportunities for people of all ages and walks of life to experience live music, connect with its musicians up close, and create music together in enjoyable, engaging and educational ways.
"We know about the outstanding work Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is doing in this space and we wanted to ensure we took inspiration from this best practice model," Claudia says.
"Our project ended up being quite different but is wonderful to know that colleagues across the motu are drawing inspiration from each other to use music as a tool for transformational change."
Free-flowing and welcoming of ideas
The workshops at Kohuora are designed to be free-flowing and to welcome song ideas from the men.
“We loved how engaged, excited and curious the men were during the workshops,” says one of the Auckland Philharmonia musicians who led the sessions.
“We all had a great time bringing the men’s favourite songs to life and left the prison with big smiles and full hearts. We were happy to have had the chance to share those special moments with the men on their path to rehabilitation.”
Now in its third year, the collaboration is growing. In addition to the hands-on workshops, a blues band ensemble of Auckland Philharmonia musicians will perform for the men later this year. And an Auckland Philharmonia musician will work with one of the men, a talented musician, and offer him the opportunity to perform a song with the ensemble.
Rehabilitation in prison is much more than attending programmes, Ruth Menzies says. “It’s about dignity, connection and creating opportunities that inspire change.
“Thank you to everyone who makes Soundscapes possible and helps build connection through music in the Kohuora community.”
Kohuora Auckland South Corrections Facility is a member of the Arts and Justice Network.
