WM2-032c - Harmoni Music Project - Madang Usino 2

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In 2006 musician David Bridie (Not Drowning Waving, My Friend the Chocolate Cake), through Kate Kennedy, approached WVA and producer Jason Byrne about the idea of developing the "Butterfly Song" Documentary. The documentary focused on PNG stringband musicians with various well known international musicians. It’s aim was to give back to PNG communities through various means including promoting positive aspects of Melanesian life, keeping the traditional form of stringband music alive, running programs within PNG related to health and wellbeing and using profits to rebuild a sound recording studio in Rabaul (destroyed in 1994 by a volcanic eruption). This was brought to Paul Ronalds with a request for a small amount of funding. Paul agreed that it was a small investment for credible branding of WVA and a opportunity to support PNG by leveraging health messages through this promotional vehicle. Therefore, WVA granted 10k out of Paul's P&P discretionary budget and developed a MOU that included a "community Service Announcement" and later agreement of David Bridie and prominent PNG artist, George Telek to perform at the Make Poverty History Concert. It was there that David Bridie was first introduced to Jonathan Treagust and later David Sweeting. Through this initial contact , David B, Jonathan and David S developed a concept for the Harmoni Musik Project by late 2007. Later, David S designed the project with input from Jonathan and David B. The pilot project now looks at delivering health and social messages through a series of music workshops to local youth, developing local youth groups and their musical talents and recording their songs for the purpose of community advocacy and awareness. . Language as given: