Christchurch Symphony Orchestra – Platform Programme
Project Background
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in partnership with the Department of Corrections (Christchurch Men’s Prison and Pathway Trust), provide an eight-week music programme supporting Tū Ora (inmates) as they prepare to be released from prison as part of a reintegration initiative into the community. The Platform Programme was designed to connect with people who might otherwise not have an experience with a symphony orchestra, particularly groups that are under-represented in the community. Over the duration of the programme, musicians with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra teach participants how to read music, play various instruments, learn a variety of compositions and co-design a concert programme. The programme is complete with a final performance to a wide audience that includes Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Corrections and Pathway Trust staff, external stakeholders, whānau and friends of Tū Ora.
What we did
The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra commissioned Ihi Research to undertake an evaluation of the outcomes and success factors of the Platform Programme. This evaluation was conducted over a two-month period during August and September 2019 using a case study evaluation methodology. The propose was to gain an in-depth understanding of the programme’s impact by studying the effect on participants individually and in a group setting. During regular visits, the researcher also participated, undertook observations and carried out interviews with Tū Ora, their whānau and stakeholders. The evaluation method we used was also accompanied by several approaches (programme theory; tikanga Māori; participatory) tailored to match the context in which it took place. These multiple methods (participant observation; interviews; analysis of empirical and grey literature) were used to maximise the reliability of the data in order to answer the evaluation questions and to give credibility to our findings.
Outcome
The evaluation findings showed a range of short and intermediate outcomes for the Tū Ora, their whānau and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. For the Tū Ora the short-term outcomes included improved life effectiveness skills, reduction of internalising and externalising of problems, increased openness to further educational and vocational training, transcending the prison routine and enhanced musical skills. Participants also highlighted enhanced whanaungatanga, including the development of trusting relationships and teamwork, increased achievement, motivation and confidence. Intermediate outcomes included an increased ability and confidence to deal with new and difficult situations, as well as fostering hope and strengthened relationships with whānau and peers. Outcomes experienced by whānau of the Tū Ora, included an immense pride in their achievements which strengthened their relationships.
“I want to thank everybody involved, especially everyone from the orchestra for coming here to help us, challenge us … I relate it to food. Food brings a lot of people together and then after you eat it’s a nice feeling of fulfilment and that’s what music does for me. It has brought a lot of people together from different walks of life, different cultures and backgrounds and at the end of it they are all fulfilled with this different life. They’ve learned something new … I want to encourage them to keep doing this. It’s a beautiful thing.”
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