Toki Rapa Nui - Music School

 I have had a desire to follow this remarkable enterprise for some time since learning of the co-founder, Mahani Teave who combines work at the school with the work of a celebrated, largely self-taught, pianist. 

Mahani Teave

The school building was commenced 10 years ago and took about 1.5 years to complete. The ingenious design and construction were inspired by an architect/engineer from New Mexico, Mike Reynolds. It is based on ‘off the grid’ environmentally sustainable use of materials. This Wikipedia entry gives some idea of his rather bizarre career which is worth reading.

Mike E Reynolds

This entry in Architectural Digest has more information and pictures of some of his work

Architect M. E Reynolds

The walls of the school are constructed of discarded soda cans and glass bottles bound together by stucco and sealed with a water-resistant paint. 40,000 cans and 40,000 bottles were incorporated into the construction. 2,000 people from around the world volunteered to help with the work over the 18 month, or so period of construction. Various environmentally sustainable features were built into the design, including a green roof and water capture in cisterns. Latter a small concert hall was added. This link leads to the school’s website in English.

Tiki Rapa Nui

The school teaches many types of music including classical as well as local Polynesian music and dance They are hoping to add ballet to the curriculum soon. A central theme is also to preserve the local Rapa Nui culture which is being eroded by modern media. To that end, the school is putting on seminars for the local population to remind them of their island's history and culture and to ensure that people remember their roots, even in the modern era.

There is a detectable aura among the staff that they are passionate about the work that they do. Many of the children are not aware of the western ways of life and as internet connection on the island, even with the advent of Starlink, is spotty at best, they are not totally infected by social media. 

I found the whole story of this school quite inspiring.


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