Programme Kids' programme
Start 'em young!
There's plenty for young and not so young kids to do at Whare Flat. We encourage all of the smaller people at the festival to engage in all aspects of the festival. Concerts, workshops, blackboard concerts are welcoming places for the younger folkies. Sometimes it's nice to have a space for just you and your peers though so we have a full selection of kids' activites too.
Story Magic | Kaitrin McMullan
Stories and legends from Otago’s settler cultures. See in the new year Chinese style, Māori myth and whai (string games), Scottish spieling plus more. Suitable for all ages. A great way to start the day!
Kaitrin is a storyteller, puppet servant and has a black belt in Macramē. Guaranteed to spin gold into straw and more.
Daily 9.30am Kids' Tent
Emily Sterk (Skin & Bone) | Kids' Kodaly method music workshop
Come and learn the foundation skills of music through songs and rhythm games. Open to children of all all ages and abilities. The activities can be tailored to every level so there will be something to challenge everyone.
Two sessions
31st Dec 10.00am Workshop Space
2nd Jan 1.30pm Troop Den
Eclectic Orca Orchestra | Ellen Waters
Join our first Whare Flat kids’ orchestra! All welcome, please bring your own instrument (although some percussion provided) and experience the thrill of playing as a group. Music reading skills are useful but not expected. Funky fun!
Kia ora! I’m Ellen, an Ōtepoti Dunedin-based musician, music teacher and music administrator, [aka the yellow cello]. I teach cello and violin to all ages, including cello at the Dunedin Rudolf Steiner School and I conduct the DSO Academy kids orchestra. I’m looking forward to my first experience at Whare Flat!
Series of three sessions
31st Dec 1.30pm | 1st Jan 1.30pm | 2nd Jan 10am Troop Den
Joseph Coleman | Mandolin for Beginners.
Joseph will lead a Beginners’ Mandolin workshop. Come prepared to learn a tune, or two! If time allows, Joseph will also cover accompaniment styles for those tunes. This workshop is aimed at beginners but players of all levels are welcome.
Joseph is currently studying at the New Zealand School of Music. As well as playing in various jazz ensembles, he is an integral part of The Madillionaires with his voice and intuitive backing on accordion and mandolin.
2nd Jan 3.30pm Workshop Space
Make-it | Andy (and Marina).
Andrew Bowen with Marina Roxburgh assisting. Two workshops making musical instruments, a Japanese drum and a pūrerehua, whirling great fun!
Andrew has a long history of involvement with the festival in various helpful capacities. He is currently Head of Technology at Kings High School and when it comes to making and creating, he’s your go-to fellow! He will be ably assisted by Marina Roxburgh, also a teacher. Together, they will bring their creative teacher superpowers, to help your children reach their full making skills.
Two sessions
31st Dec 2.30pm Troop Den
1st Jan 2.30 pm Troop Den
Jazz Dance for Under 5s | Emma Christie
Emma brings her love of swing dance to the smallest festival goers. Emma will guide them through joyful movement with simple steps and a touch of silliness. This will be a family friendly session designed to get everyone moving and grooving together, with a side of jazz hands.
1st Jan 10.00am Troop Den
Think, Act and React - Improv | Brendan Christie
Test out your creative and collaborative thinking skills and participate in improvised drama games. Be prepared to become a dog, a house or an evil villain! Leave your sense of embarrassment at the door and join forces with others to combine ideas. Suitable for ages 8-18. (Numbers as space allows)
Brendan is a teacher, musician, dancer and event planner. Known for Pākiki Kids at Dunedin North Intermediate, The Mentalist Collective and the Dunedin Swing Festival.
2nd Jan 2.30pm Troop Den
Role-it | Zenith Wills
An introduction to the wizardly world of role-playing games, dicey fun! Zenith Wills is an experienced and enthusiastic teacher of these games. Please note 9+ age maximum group size of 7, but feel free to come along and watch as well.
Zenith is an experienced game master with years of experience fostering imagination and wrangling excited children, Zenith also moonlights as aotearoa's first ever vampire politician.
1st Jan 10.00am Workshop Space
