Rātā Youth Orchestra

We are starting up the Youth Orchestra again in Term 2 this year, under the leadership of Mana Waiariki.

This orchestra for young musicians (under 15 years) will be  fun and you will learn the skills of playing together without having to audition!

The Rātā Youth Orchestra  will be run by the super talented Mana Waiariki  and supported by members of our own adult WELLSO Orchestra (Wellington Late Starters Orchestra).

Any orchestral instruments are welcome, String, Brass, Woodwind and of course Percussion.

Age range as follows:

• Woodwind and Brass aged 8 to 12
• Strings age 6 to 12

The players should have a knowledge of some of the notes on their instruments already as this will be about coaching in a group to play and won’t be focussing on teaching individuals. Of course we will be helping and supporting all the young players with the best way to play but the players will need to have the basics on their instruments and be able to read music in at least a rudimentary way.

When you enrol we will request information about the student’s knowledge and experience to make sure the music is accessible for them.

About Mana Waiariki

With many years of orchestral, solo, and chamber music experience, Mana is an enthusiastic musician that values inclusivity and dedication.

Mana is studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Violin Performance at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand School of Music under the guidance of Helene Pohl. Mana first picked up the violin at age 7 at a small Suzuki studio in Auckland run by Stacey Shuck and Simon Griffiths, who became Mana’s violin teachers for the next 10 years.

Mana was an active member of the Auckland Youth Orchestra for 5 years, where she was a player’s representative in 2020, competed in their annual soloist competition receiving prizes in their respected years, and was given the opportunity to travel to Europe in 2018 performing in the Young Euro Classic festival at the Berlin Konzerthaus.

Since moving to Wellington, she is now a part of the Wellington Youth Orchestra, where she is also the player’s representative. This year was Mana’s third time playing in the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, and her second time sitting principal of the second violins. This year, Mana formed a string quartet, Eden Quartet, with her fellow NZSM colleagues where she had the chance to perform a program of concerts in Wellington and Auckland with Steinway Artist, Jason Bae.