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Generations of Hibiscus Coast families have sung, danced and made friends at St Chad’s Ōrewa, where Mainly Music is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The preschool music programme was founded by Jo Hood at Hillsborough Baptist Church in 1990 and uses music and movement to support children’s development while providing an opportunity for parents and caregivers to connect.
St Chad’s Mainly Music group was started by Mavis Brackebush, welcoming its first families on the last Thursday of October 2001.
Current leader Annemarie Panzic has been involved for the past 19 years and has seen plenty of changes, she says. Early sessions relied on overhead transparencies for song words and a tape deck for music, followed by CDs and, more recently, PowerPoint presentations with embedded audio.
Despite the changing technology, Annemarie says the focus remains on family-friendly fun and learning through music in a safe and welcoming environment.
The group has also continued through disruptions including Covid-19 and the rebuilding of St Chad’s church hall in 2023.
Children and their parents or caregivers meet every Thursday during term time from 9.30am to 10am for songs and rhymes designed to encourage coordination, motor skills, social interaction and language development. Morning tea and playtime afterwards give families time to meet and support one another.
There are now around 200 Mainly Music groups throughout New Zealand, including four on the Hibiscus Coast, as well as groups in Australia and the UK.
Annemarie says the anniversary is also an opportunity to recognise the many leaders and volunteers who have supported the programme over the years.
The 25th anniversary celebration will be held on November 1 at St Chad’s, 117 Centreway Rd, Ōrewa, following the 10am family service. A shared lunch, sausage sizzle, anniversary cake, entertainment from Popcorn the clown and photo montages will begin at 12pm.
Past and present Mainly Music families are welcome. RSVP annemariepanzic@gmail.com
