Celebrating the connection and joy it brings to families – and some big anniversaries – Katikati Mainly Music is having a birthday party this Saturday, and the community is invited.

This year Mainly Music celebrates 35 years since its inception at Hillsborough Baptist Church (now Hills Church) back in 1990 by Auckland mother Jo Hood.

The programme, which connects parents and caregivers with preschoolers through music and play, aims to foster early literacy, numeracy and social skills while providing a supportive community for families.

Katikati Mainly Music team leader Cheryl Harray said today her group is one of 207 clubs in New Zealand, 369 in Australia, 79 in the UK and eight in other places. “That’s a total of more than 650 groups worldwide!”

Katikati Mainly Music meets on Fridays during school terms from 9.30am-11am at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Mulgan St, with a 30-minute music session followed by eat/play/chat.

To mark the programme’s 35-year NZ anniversary, 25 years in Australia, 20 in the UK – plus Katikati’s Mainly Music’s 22nd birthday – Harray’s team of volunteers will host a birthday party from 3pm-4.30pm August 23 at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church.

“It would be great to see ‘old faces’, and whole families come and celebrate with us,” said Harray.

Katikati Mainly Music team leader Cheryl Harray with Jade Aitchison-Budd, 4, Trident Spick, 4. Photo /Merle Cave

She was team leader for her church in Dunedin for 10 years before moving to Katikati three years ago for a break. “I thought I’d just help out when needed but then Kay Frith [the minister’s wife who ran Katikati Mainly Music] left.”

What keeps pulling Harray back into the fold is the connecting she witnesses. “It’s about creating a joyful community of belonging.

You see it at all levels, from the children knowing what’s to be sung next and making friends, to parents joining in and talking to each other, to our volunteers loving the young ones running around.”

Harray said Hood is still the movement’s visionary leader, but had relocated to Melbourne after MM took off across the ditch.

“She began Mainly Music after being in a music group that became serious. She thought there must be room for a fun music time where mums, dads and children could connect with one another.” She was right.

Katikati Mainly Music has 20 families attending weekly. “Lots have more than one child, so we probably have about 40 children on our roll.”

The morning begins with families entering and children picking out their entry cards to receive a sticker . “Once they’ve visited 10 times they’re presented their full card as a celebration of their effort.”

Then families dance to 30 minutes of music, led by Harray, with props used frequently to entice imaginations. “Today we used scarves, bean bags and the rainbow ring – a big stretchy loop of material, which the kids love to stretch out and let go! Parents, once they know the songs, come out of their shells and start dancing and singing too.”

Afterwards, families are served a light morning tea. Children sit on a mat with biscuits, fruit and water; parents at tables with cuppas and home-baked goods courtesy of church members.

Harray has a team of 15 volunteers. “They serve in the kitchen, help in the session, give out props, man the entry desk, etc… you need quite a few people.”

Throughout, connections are made organically. “Children dance and play together, parents chat, get to know one another, or share parenting tips.”

Harray said volunteers also get a lot back. “One newbie said: ‘This is my happy place!’ They love serving, being able to help, and talk to parents. They also love to watch the children learn and grow – it’s a place for them to belong and serve with their own skills and personality.”

Harray said Mainly Music is held in churches worldwide but people should know that everyone is welcome – no matter their religious or cultural background. “We share a few God-themed songs but it’s more fun songs for children. Nothing is forced on anyone, and all beliefs are respected. It’s just about honouring parents and celebrating families.”

Harray said parenting is not an easy gig – sometimes parents turn up sleep-deprived or in despair. “We’ve had people come almost in tears and they haven’t had time for breakfast. We’ll get them a hot drink, something to eat and look after their children to get them on the steady again. And yay for them for coming! Because sometimes it is too hard…We’re real, they’re real and we can help in practical ways if they need it.”

Katikati Mainly Music was started by Jane Cross and then-minister’s wife, Sue McCauley, at St Paul’s.

“Following them, families pastor Kate Burton took over. But Rae Buchanan is the stalwart of Katikati Mainly Music,” said Harray, who took over from Kay Frith.

“I’ve invited all past volunteers and leaders I could contact for Saturday’s party and we invite present and former MM families to join the fun too!”

Or visit Mainly Music on Fridays. Entry is $3 per child, $5 per family, or a concession card. The first time is always free. Find out more at: https://mainlymusic.org.nz/pages/join-us-for-mainly-music