Empowering youth through music: Massey and To The Front’s creative partnership

The partnership supports a week-long holiday programme designed for women, trans, intersex, gender-diverse, takatāpui and queer youth aged 12 to 18. At its core, the kaupapa is to nurture confidence and creativity through music.

Throughout the week, participants form bands, write and rehearse original songs and end the programme with a live performance for friends and whānau. Along the way, they take part in workshops, learn new instruments and gain inspiration from performances by local musicians. The experience is guided by a diverse team of local artists who act as mentors, instrument tutors and programme facilitators.

Since 2019, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has played a key role in helping bring the Pōneke programme to life. The university provides rehearsal and performance spaces and professional equipment, as well as on-site technical support, helping ensure a smooth, professional experience for everyone involved.

CoCA Senior Tutor Brooke Singer is involved with the To The Front programme and says she loves seeing Massey spaces filled with excited young people every year.

Some mentors are current Massey students, bringing fresh energy and creativity into the space, while others are new to the programme and this year marks the highest number of first-time mentors. For many, this is their introduction to community-focused music leadership, and the programme actively encourages new people to get involved.

To the Front Regional Director for Pōneke Kelsi Stroud says, “A success for us is when we see the participants come out of their shell and find a part of music that ignites a spark. Whether it was merch making, learning the drums or watching a live performance. Our goal is to help the participants find confidence in their creativity, and every time that happens it's a win.”

The impact of the programme is clear in the feedback from previous years:

• 100 per cent of participants felt inspired to continue making music
• 79 per cent reported more confidence in their musical abilities
• 71 per cent said they felt inspired to pursue a career in the music industry
• 100 per cent said they would attend To The Front again.

One participant shared, “I think that all of the mentors and volunteers were super lovely and supportive. The whole time there was such a great energy.”

Another added, “I felt confident and supported during the whole week,” while one reflected on the creative side of music-making: “It was really cool to see how songs are made and what elements go into them.”

Read more about the programme online.