Huawei, the Chinese telecoms giant, have donated 100 pianos for distribution to some of New Zealand’s poorest schools.
Schools can “win” one of the 100 instruments by submitting a creative work that in someways includes a piano in the subject matter. Entries can be a song, a dance, a short story, a poem, a play or a mural, and must be a collaborative work.
Huawei want the 100 Piano Project to stimulate the imaginations of younger New Zealanders, and to encourage musical exploration and creative thinking. At present, less than half of New Zealand’s 2500 schools have a piano!
Pearl River Pianos
The instruments being donated are all uprights from Chinese manufacturer Pearl River Piano Group. The company, established in 1956, claim to have the largest piano factory in the world, producing around 100,000 per annum.
River Pearl UP115E. A full length music rack, locking lid, and double casters make this piano popular in schools
The 100 Piano Project competition is managed by the Play It Strange Trust. The organisation holds regular concerts workshops and competitions, and provides encouragement for students to pursue their musical aspirations. Mike Chunn, formerly bass guitarist of Split Enz, founded the trust in 2004, and is currently the CEO.
This is the second time that Huawei have made this offer. They made a similar donation to Argentinian schools in 2015.
Entries are open to all New Zealand Primary and/or Intermediate Schools (including schools with students Years 7 &8) and in the decile range 1-7.
Closing date is Friday 20th October 2017. More information, and the online entry form, can be found here.