Rarotonga schools have been practising fiercely for the new and exciting junior drumming competition, the “CITC Pump the Beats 2023” Emo’anga Tangi Kaara, to be held on Friday, June 30 at the Are Karioi National Auditorium.

Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development is pleased to partner with CITC in the new Emo’anga Tangi Kaara drumming event. CITC have signed a three-year sponsorship which will see new trophies at stake in the upcoming competition.

CITC’s keybrands manager George Williamson, who is passionate about Cook Islands drumming and is the driving force behind the junior drumming competition which started in the mid-90s, has been making the rounds each week visiting the participating schools’ rehearsals.

“The primary and secondary schools have been practicing hard and learning the two categories in which they will be presenting on the night – the composed beat with a chant and the creative beat section,” Williamson said.

“It’s good to see our kids keen to learn how to play our drums and we want to promote the skill and art of drumming.”

Apii Takitumu Primary School junior drummers consists of five females and five males coached by teacher Anjima Ruarau and her husband.

Apii Nikao has Piritau Nga as their tutor, and Apii Arorangi has James Tuaputa coaching the students for the event.

Tereora College’s Anau Ikurangi team has Mii Simiona assisting them with their beats.

Thirteen drumming groups have entered the “CITC Pump the Beats” challenge. They are from seven primary schools – Apii Avarua, Nikao, Arorangi, Rutaki, Te Uki Ou, Takitumu and Ioteava Peata (St Joseph’s). The secondary schools competing in the event are Titikaveka College, Nukutere College and Tereora College fielding four teams, representing their anau, Te Kou, Ikurangi, Te Manga and Maungaroa.

Tauranga Vananga have circulated the chant and composed beats to the competing schools to learn and 13 tangi kaara tutors have been allocated to each team to assist them with the competition requirements.

Tickets are now on sale for the show, starting at 6.30pm.