Pacific Music and Dance at the Museum

A traditional flute played through the nose was a source of great amazement – and amusement - for the children from Little Earth Montessori Remuera.

The nose flute is one of an array of Pacific Island musical instruments currently on show at the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira – and children had the chance to try playing them during a special excursion to the museum on November 15.

“Our over 2s participated in a special Pacific music and dance programme, led by a museum guide who introduced us to the Island regions with activities using maps and artefacts,” said centre manager Lim Chong.

“The children then had an opportunity to explore and play with all kinds of Pacific musical instruments – the one that got the most attention was definitely the flute that is played using your nose!”

Children were also shown how to make traditional garlands using coloured petals and straw, before heading into other areas of the museum to check out life-sized dinosaur bones, the elephant from Sri Lanka and some sharks. And of course, no visit to the museum is complete without a wander through the hands-on Weird and Wonderful zone!

“The children loved the trip. When we asked them what they most enjoyed, it ranged from the musical instruments, to the dinosaur area, to riding on the bus.”

Undoubtedly an excursion offering something for everyone!