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If your children know Jeremy Hantler when they see him at the supermarket, there’s a good chance they’ll recognise him when he turns up at Baycourt Theatre next Saturday – although he’ll be wearing overalls.
The Tauranga primary school teacher, musician, MC, Harmonic Resonators frontman and self-professed “most waved-at-person in the supermarket” is taking on a new role as the caretaker in Opus Orchestra’s family concert, The Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra, on October 10.
“He guides the children through the various parts of the orchestra,” Hantler said.
His borrowed caretaker’s outfit is ready, and so is the plan: to introduce the audience to the different sections of the orchestra, bringing the instruments and their sounds to life through storytelling, humour, choreography and audience participation. There will also be a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter to enhance the delivery for those hard of hearing.
“I’ve been contracted to make this show for all ages super accessible,” he said.
That makes Hantler a natural fit for the role. As a familiar face at local schools both online through his Mr Hantler YouTube Channel, and co-directing the Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival and as MC for Tauranga’s Children’s Day and various events, he already has plenty of experience getting kids involved in things.
The Harmonic Resonators’ latest children’s album is very popular locally, while Hantler’s work as an educator means he knows how to keep a young audience entertained.
Jeremy Hantler is a co-director of the annual Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival and is shown here with a school group ready to perform.
“The setlist is spot on – exciting, diverse, and there’s even a tune many tamariki [children] will recognise from ‘grow a garden’ in Roblox,” Hantler said.
After the first half, Hantler will shed his caretaker persona and return as himself, helping guide audiences through music by Debussy, Copland, Grieg and Sarasate.
And when the final note sounds, children can “storm the stage” to meet the musicians and get a closer look at the instruments.
Hantler may be a drummer by trade – he has a degree in jazz drumming – but for this concert, he won’t be playing a single instrument.
His job is simply to open the door to the orchestra and invite Tauranga’s tamariki inside.
The Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra is at Baycourt Theatre on October 10 from 3pm to 4.30pm, and also in Hamilton on October 9 and Rotorua on October 11. Tickets are for sale via Eventfinda, with family discounts available.
Thanks to Opus Orchestra, The Weekend Sun has two double passes to the Tauranga show at Baycourt give away to two lucky readers who can tell us the name of the caretaker.
Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the Competitions tab. Entries must be in by Tuesday, October 6.