Music has been a large part of most of my life. Starting with the recorder and then piano, at the age of 14 an amazing music teacher introduced me to the saxophone. I have never looked back.

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The friends and mentors I have met through music are fantastic and playing in a group is so good for the soul. I am involved in several musical groups including Taupo Concert Band, Taupo Brass, Hot Tub, Blended and am also on the Creative Taupo committee. As a chartered accountant I also enjoy using these skills to assist the creative community with their finances and helping them achieve their goals. I am passionate about community wellbeing and the role of the arts in the community. The support and community that is built around shared creative interests is unparalleled and it is an honour to be part of building this for the youth of our district.

Jo has been playing music since she was 10 years old when she learnt the violin. A multi instrumentalist, she plays the violin, cello, guitar, bass guitar,french horn, piano and loves to sing.

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Her passion is working with younger students. She is the vocalist for the Great Lake Big Band as well as a number of other ensembles in Taupō. One of the high points in Jo's musical career was when she sang at a friends wedding in Hampton Court Palace when she lived in London.

Little known fact - Jo is a specialist dementia nurse by trade.

Hi - I’m Sarah Monro. I’ve been the Co-Ordinator for the Taupō School of Music since 2009. Together with the Principal, Jo Paull, and our brilliant Board, our aim is to make instrumental music tuition available for all children in our district.

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You will find me in our music school office each Tuesday or perhaps relief tutoring keyboard classes or being the relief accompanist for the Keynotes Choir.

I have a degree in organisational and intercultural communications as well as music. I currently teach piano to students at one of our local colleges, as well as privately. You will also find me accompanying many students for their Trinity exams and local performances throughout the year.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, being out on the lake, biking and playing pickleball!

I first became involved with Taupo School of Music with both of my children taking lessons in various instruments.

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My son started on recorder, moved to Ukulele then onto Guitar. My daughter first started with choir, then took up violin, followed by bass guitar and percussion. My daughter went on to enjoy Keynotes Choir, String Orchestra and the Youth Wind Band, participating until she left to study Performance Music (Percussion) at the University of Canterbury.

A highlight of our music year was always the Big Music Day. I continue to be involved in the Taupo School of Music, as I enjoy seeing the love of music that develops in the students through our awesome tutors.

Hi. My name is Kaylene Carson and I've been a tutor for the TSoM for over 20 years. I am currently teaching ukulele. I am also the Director of the Keynotes Choir.

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I believe that all children should have the opportunity to participate in music, as the benefits are so positive for their development.

I regularly tell students that "Learning music makes you smarter. It’s a proven fact!"

Hi. My name is Matt West. My instrument is the Trombone which I currently play in a number of bands including the Great Lake Big Band, Hot Tub, Blended, the Taupō Concert Band, Brass Band and the Palmerston North Brass Band.

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I am the Director of The Taupō Youth Wind Band and am on the Board as the parent representative.

The Trombone is a fantastic Instrument. It is used in all types of bands, from orchestras to rock bands and in my opinion (although I may be biased), it is the best sounding and the most fun to play of all the brass instruments.

I became involved with the Taupō School of Music because my son showed an early interest in music. It was an easy decision to be involved and I immediately felt comfortable.

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We began with the Keynotes Choir and the recorder. He loved to sing and the recorder taught him to learn to read music in preparation for learning the piano. He continued with the choir for some years but we opted for private piano lessons as the keyboard didn't hold the same appeal. When he was about nine years old the TSoM Principal suggested that he learn a second instrument (saxophone) which he did. I remain forever thankful that I took her advice. Looking back, the choir was instrumental in his life's direction and playing the saxophone gave him irreplaceable opportunities musically that he would not have got otherwise.

I continue my involvement with TSoM because we are a group that believes learning a musical instrument is personally fulfilling and great for the development of young minds. We also offer a great service and have lots of fun.

I am delighted to continue being part of the Taupō School of Music and it's Board which is passionate about encouraging and nurturing young students to fulfill their potential

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My interest is twofold, my daughter being a product of the TSoM, and enhanced with my role with the Arts and Culture portfolio currently with Taupō District Council.