+PM01077-P12 SUPS MAG AD.indd 1 5/05/11 9:27 AM

Aaron was born with a rare respiratory condition called Kartagener Syndrome; he went on to develop countless complications that saw him spend much of the last 8 years confined to hospital beds. In conjunction with Make a Wish Foundation, we were able to make Aaron’s request to meet Brian ‘Head’ Welch a reality. Aaron spent time with Brian and

his band at Parachute 2011.

Unfortunately, due to complications from his disease, Aaron passed away on 28th February, having met his hero.

He was 18 years old.

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Aaron Bayard 1992 - 2011

This ediTion is dedicaTed To

CREDITS Editor Chris de Jong Copywriting Luke Oram Production Keryn Grogan Creative Direction Chris de Jong Design Danny Carlsen Printing SMP Solutions

P +64 9 815 0370 PO Box 108 223, Symonds Street, Auckland 1150, New Zealand 399 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021 supporters@parachutemusic.com www.parachutemusic.com If you have any enquiries about your Supporters membership please call Keryn Grogan on +64 9 815 0370 x 201

5 Music is OuR la nguage6 Kinsmen18 music is our mission19 music is our life 20 cHATTinG WiTH JoHn 22 THis THinG cAlleD life 24 THe cHAllenGes of A cHAriTABle TrusT 26 geneRatiOn neXt 28 WHAT ABouT THe BA nDs?34 FROM the engine ROOM36 money, money, money38 sTories

conTenT

PArAcHUte MUSIc IS dedIcAted to cUltIvAtIng MUSIc tHAt connectS PeoPle WItH JeSUS.

If you have friends and family who may be interested in partnering with our mission, please email supporters@parachutemusic.com with your postal address so we can send you additional copies of this magazine.

THANKS TO OUR BUSINESS SUPPORTERS:

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Music is our language

ediToRiaL

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“IF yoU tAlK to A MAn In A lAngUAge He UnderStAndS, tHAt goeS to HIS HeAd. IF yoU tAlK to HIM In

HIS lAngUAge, tHAt goeS to HIS HeArt.” nelSon MAndelA.

hey say that the human heart has the capacity to feel all by itself - it is not driven by the head but functions emotionally all on its own. they say that you can die of a broken heart

- a recognised and diagnosable condition where the heart never actually repairs.

It goes without saying then that the heart has the ability to respond…to be hardened by hurt, to be softened by love. to be awakened by beautiful things, to be closed down by harsh words or actions. If the native language is spoken, the recipient has immediate understanding… He will “get it” and therefore will be able to respond. this will be an innate understanding because he is wired to understand that way.

that language will not always be found in words but in melody also; the combination of melody and lyrics has an immeasurable way of permeating the human heart.

Music is our native language - we were created to respond to it. We understand it, we can participate in it and we can get lost in it. We can get healed from it, get renewed by it, and we can change our perspective because of it.

And music is the language Parachute has chosen to use because we believe, that when used in all it’s beauty, it is gift from heaven.

In this edition we have included 11 ‘Kinsmen’ who have made music their language, we explain what the Parachute heart is all about, we update you on our artists’ recent shenanigans and include you on all the latest Parachute happenings.

thank you for helping us keep the music playing - let’s continue to use music as our language.

Blessings,

Chris de Jong

t

KinsMenAS A SUPPorter, We conSIder yoU A PArt oF tHe FAMIly. And We MeAn It.

tHIS ISn’t HolloW clIcHé or MArKetIng SPeAK. tHe dIctIonAry deFIneS A KInSMAn AS SoMeone relAted By Blood. And In A WAy, It’S tHe PerFect terM

BecAUSe PArAcHUte IS tHe reSUlt oF tHe Blood, SWeAt And teArS oF A HUge creW oF PeoPle WHo BelIeve In WHAt We do. tHeSe Are tHe voIceS

oF 11 oF oUr KInSMen: PUnterS, ArtIStS, creW, SUPPorterS And More - SoMe oF tHe PeoPle WHo MAKe UP tHIS BIg, BIg FAMIly.

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city Brighton, UK

occupation Songwriter

What’s your connection with Parachute? We played 3 times at Festival with delirious? over the years. Amazing nights to remember.

Why do you support Parachute? It’s got a good heritage, it comes out of the church in nZ, it’s not just another industry ‘idea’ but a response to see a generation of people in nZ come alive to god.

music is my language because...It’s how I speak. I come alive when there is music around me.

International Artist

MaRtinsMith

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Michelle W ith asaua, JaMal, KiaR a, lYDia, M atthias, WesleY

city Auckland

occupation Parenting Programme Facilitator

What’s your connection with Parachute? We started going to Parachute Festival 8 years ago as a couple to get refreshed and inspired. We loved the atmosphere and the preaching we heard so we’ve been back a few times when possible. this year, we took our three eldest kids as we thought it would be a great place for them to be exposed to the christian world that exists outside of our church.

Why do you support Parachute? Parachute is a great way to come together as a body of believers and worship god. I also love Parachute’s connection between christianity and social justice. Parachute has been a part of my growing process as a christian and also my restoration process when I was not in a good place spiritually - in those times going to the Festival reconnected me with god.

music is my language because...It provides an expression for my thoughts and convictions as well as my struggles and questions. When I’m thinking about something and hear a song that encapsulates how I’m feeling, I’ll learn to sing that song as a means of expressing those feelings…I’ll end up crying at the wonder of god and His ability to articulate my thoughts through music - it’s awesome!

Family

thetiatias

8

city Auckland

occupation Musician

What’s your connection with Parachute? Parachute Festival was the social and spiritual highlight of each year I spent as a teenager. I used to camp with my youth group and we’d play volleyball, jam on guitars, talk all night and let our lives be changed. I took to the stage as my teen years ended and have found Parachute punters to be some of the very best crowds I’ve played to.

Why do you support Parachute? I believe that the Parachute Festival has had a huge part to play in my development as a person of faith. It’s a place for people to pull away from their usual lives and break habits, dream bigger, praise louder and hear truth. It’s an environment of fun and life and beauty. What’s not to love?

music is my language because...So much of life remains unexplained. cancer, depression, marriage, love, grace... planets and stuff... so much mystery around us. Music is a language of both mystery and truth, proclamation and questions, celebration and heart-groans. It is the overf low of what is inside, and the heart is a mysterious place. Songwriter and listener can participate in a depth of communication that is beyond what can be said.

Artist

lYDiacOle

9

city Auckland

occupation Hearing technologist

What’s your connection with Parachute? Business Supporter and Sponsor for Parachute 2011.

Why do you support Parachute? to encourage musicians, Supporters and Parachute punters to protect their hearing while listening to their favourite band. And because I value and support philosophies such as ‘Zero tolerance to drugs and

Alcohol’ at their music Festival and events. they create a safe environment, peace and mutual respect for everyone.

music is my language because...It is a reflection of our environment and the times we live in, a ref lection of mood, a method of self-expression, a method of conveying a message, it helps me to unwind and relax, music lets me escape into my own ‘dream-world’…

Businessman

thOMasMulleR

10

city Auckland

occupation year 11, High School

What’s your connection with Parachute? My dad is the Production executive for Parachute Festival and I have gone to nearly every Parachute I have been alive for.

Why do you support Parachute? I support Parachute Music because it’s a way to reach out to people and god is presented to people in a cool way.

music is my language because...It’s a way to express myself in a unique way. It’s a form of worship, and as a dancer I believe it is the foundation of a good dance. Music inspires the dance.

Teen

lilYFitYus

11

city Auckland

occupation Finance & royalties Administrator

What’s your connection with Parachute? I started working for Parachute as an Intern in 2006, and have been a full time staff member ever since.

Why do you support Parachute? I loved attending Parachute Festival as a teen, and enjoyed heading out each year with our youth group from Hamilton. It’s amazing to be a part of that same mission now.

music is my language because...It speaks straight to the heart. Whether playing or listening to music, it helps to bring you into god’s presence, and break down the barriers that you hold around yourself.

Staff Member

l auRensMith

12

city Kigali, rwanda

occupation World vision Area development Programme Manager for tubehoneza, rwanda

What’s your connection with Parachute? Parachute has been supporting the tubehoneza community and I have facilitated Parachute visits to rwanda.

Why do you support Parachute? the relationship between tubehoneza and Parachute has been very fruitful and positive, I am very supportive of everything they are trying to achieve. music is my language because...Music is very important to me. It helps people understand and convey ideas. It is a powerful way to transmit messages. In our culture here in rwanda even the government uses traditional musicians to take their messages to the country.

Rwandan

aiMaBlensengiYuMVa

13

city Auckland

occupation Senior Pastor of Windsor Park Baptist churchnZ Breakers team chaplain

What’s your connection with Parachute? I’m a long term believer in their vision; as a teenager I was at the first Mainstage event in otaki in 1987! now I’m a parent of teenagers who love the Festival and sing Parachute songs.

Why do you support Parachute? I love the Kiwi feel - we import too much stuff, so I love the home-grown creatives being given the opportunity on the world stage. It’s fresh, and Parachute is doing its best to be part of god’s mission in our world.

music is my language because...It is the language of my soul (as a long-term musician myself!). I see music in the Bible; I see music in my car; I see music everywhere. It communicates in a way that other things can’t.

Pastor

gRa ntha RRis

14

15

city Auckland - originally from southwest Scotland

occupation retired gardener

What’s your connection with Parachute? I came to the lord at Parachute Festival when I was 60, and I’ve come every year since. I plan to come with my zimmer frame!

Why do you support Parachute? Because they really reach out to young people, and because I came to the lord there. I’ve felt a connection with Parachute Band since I first became a christian - when the new band came in, I thought they were just great. I was honoured to be asked to be a Parachute Band prayer warrior, and I pray every day for them.

music is my language because...It comes from the heart! Music stirs a response in you. When I go into the garden, I play my music, and I feel at peace. Music is so important.

Grannie

K athYsaYeRs

KYleR a nDallCrew

city Hamilton

occupation Surface Friction tester

What’s your connection with Parachute? I was invited to join the ‘other venues Security’ crew team at Festival back in 2004. I enjoyed it, I’ve come back every year since.

Why do you support Parachute? I got involved 8 years ago because I like watching god move through people by the love of music. By the time thursday night of the Festival comes, long hours of planning have already been spent, hundreds of emails have been sent, the stages are ready, the tents are going up, and you’ve caught up with that friend that you made last year. you get the realisation that once again you are a part of something significant in our nation, and that thousands of lives are going to be transformed this weekend. It’s a good feeling!

music is my language because...regardless of where you’re from, music has an ability to cross all barriers, it breaks down walls, it brings forth joy, peace and love. Music makes me happy!

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cOnnORMccullOchTween

city Auckland

occupation year 5, Intermediate School and aspiring professional soccer player

What’s your connection with Parachute? My dad used to work at Parachute and helps to run the store at Festival.

Why do you support Parachute? I like Parachute because I think the Festival is cool and I get to do lots of cool stuff and see some good bands like rapture ruckus, the lads and Manafest.

music is my language because...Without it life wouldn’t be fun, it would be boring and quiet.

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PArAcHUte MUSIc IS dedIcAted to cUltIvAtIng MUSIc tHAt connectS PeoPle WItH JeSUS.

t’s all about the song. And it’s all about the people who play those songs. It’s about giving them a platform to get their songs heard. It’s about developing them,

keeping them connected to their church, helping them to hone their craft and become better communicators.

that’s why we do what we do…we live, breathe and strive for this mission because we know that a song can change a life or a circumstance in a heartbeat. It can paint something in a different light and totally turn someone’s world around. It can illuminate a problem and give it a solution. And it can calm a racing heart when the pressure gets all too much.

Parachute started back in 1989 and 21 years on, we’re still as passionate about this mission as ever. We’re determined to bring you those songs and to stand alongside the people who make and deliver those songs.

that’s why we run Festival, that’s why we run training events like noise, and that’s why we book and manage artists. that’s why we’ve been developing our building to have a studio and rehearsal space and a place for music-makers to gather together.

Parachute is a god-breathed initiative and our mission is to carry out what god has put in our hearts for the musicians of this country. It’s a mission that is growing bigger, having already expanded to include our neighbours in Australia.

When we started out, we dared to imagine a day when our neighbourhoods would resound with the sounds of believers, a day when songs were sung that changed people’s perspectives, a day when a song would lead someone into the very presence of god Almighty.

this is our mandate. this is why we do what we do.

MissiOnWhat we believe

Music is OuR

I

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arachute Music is a not-for-profit organisation, run by a Board of trustees, headed up by our trusty ceo Mark de Jong. We’ve got 21 full and part-time staff,

6 volunteer Festival executives, 80 volunteer Festival Area Heads and 1500 volunteer Festival crew.

And in the wider Parachute family, financially and prayerfully helping us carry out our mission, we have 2,500 of you Supporters. As well as that, we have a group of donors who significantly sow into what we do on a regular basis.

I guess you could say Parachute Music is much more than just an organisation - it’s a vast movement of people unashamedly putting their hands to the plough; a big family doing their bit to serve a big vision.

Here’s a snapshot of how this big vision is brought to life on a daily basis through the various departments at Parachute H.Q:

evenTsthe events team has a very busy year centred around three main happenings; Festival, noise and Australian concert events.

the Festival is a year long process; from booking artists, to programming stages, to onsite signage, right down to what kind of food we’re serving up at the village and every detail in between.

noise events take place throughout the year across the country, offering training in all aspects of worship and the music industry. As of this year, the team will also be running noise events in Australia.

then there are our Australian concerts. these are held each summer, featuring some of our Festival headliners who stop to play Aussie shows in the week before Parachute Festival in nZ.

due to the nature of the events calendar, the team consists of a fluid number of personnel. Headed up by the events Manager, events co-ordinator and Festival Programmer, the team is bolstered by part-time helpers during the busy lead-up to Festival.

ArTisTsHeaded up by two Managers and an Assistant, this department works with our six key artists in different capacities, providing management, booking and publishing services. this aspect of what we do is constantly evolving to reflect the changing music industry; as less people buy cds, live performances have become more important to artists. We currently represent Parachute Band, Juliagrace, rapture ruckus, ruby Frost, Art of Sleeping and Primalband.

our artists team actively supports these bands, managing everything from concerts and shows, to touring, recordings, promotion and overall support and input.

cre ATiveA 2-person team in an office-with-a-door and a huge table laden with Apple Macs and towers of magazine clippings, the creative team is the noisiest of the whole bunch. their calendar is full with a variety of projects, including photoshoots, album artwork, videos and Festival branding. they’ve also got a penchant for the odd dIy excursion that sees them ditch the Macs and don some overalls.

corPorATeconsisting of staff covering fundraising, sponsorship, supporters, office management and finance, this team is highly esteemed for keeping the creatives focused, and mastering the numbers on behalf of those of us who failed third-form maths.

As you can see, Parachute H.Q is filled with a hardworking and colourful team, doing their bit to make the mission happen - and with a vast army of people like you behind us, the future of Parachute Music is in very safe hands.

liFeWhat we do

Music is OuR

P

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Feature Interview

PArAcHUte 2011 MArKed tHe InAUgUrAl vISIt oF A very IMPortAnt vISItor: oUr nAtIon’S leAder, tHe rt. Hon. JoHn Key.

tHe P.M SPoKe to MArK de Jong on MAInStAge And JoIned US All In SIngIng tHe nAtIonAl AntHeM At SAtUrdAy MornIng’S MeetIng.

We tAlKed to HIM PoSt-FeStIvAl ABoUt HIS PArAcHUte exPerIence.

JOHNCHATTING WITH

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It WoUld Be FAIr to SAy yoU Are one oF tHe HArdeStWorKIng PeoPle In tHIS coUntry - WHAt MAde yoU WAnt A JoB lIKe tHIS?I have wanted to be Prime Minister since I was child - it’s a goal I’ve worked towards throughout my life. Being Prime Minister means I’m in a position to help the country build strong foundations for its future. Ultimately, I want to see all new Zealanders reach their potential and succeed, which is why being Prime Minister is an exciting job - it means I have the ability to help create an economic and social environment for new Zealanders to achieve and realise their dreams. WHAt doeS It MeAn to Be A neW ZeAlAnder? Are tHere coMMon vAlUeS And PrIncIPleS tHAt deFIne US?there are a number of qualities which new Zealanders share in common, and which help create the Kiwi spirit we’re all proud of. the past six months, with two devastating earthquakes in canterbury and the Pike river Mine tragedy, have brought those qualities to the fore: our great sense of community spirit, a certain courage and resilience and an ability to pull together in the face of tremendous adversity. HoW dId yoU enJoy yoUr InAUgUrAl vISIt to PArAcHUte FeStIvAl?I thoroughly enjoyed myself - it was great to see so many young people coming together for such a popular Festival. It’s a big undertaking to organise an event on the scale of Parachute, so everyone who had a part in making it happen deserves a huge ‘thank you’.

do yoU See tHe role oF cHUrcHeS BeIng IMPortAnt In nZ SocIety?new Zealand is a multi-faith society and, by and large, new Zealanders are respectful of the role people’s faiths play in their lives. From my own perspective, I regularly meet with church groups across all denominations to discuss areas of mutual concern. It’s a good way of canvassing issues and obtaining a faith-based view on them.

tHIS coUntry’S Been tHroUgH SoMe toUgH tIMeS lAtely - WHAt HelPS yoU KeeP A PoSItIve oUtlooK For neW ZeAlAnd?Ultimately, I have a positive outlook for new Zealand because I’m positive about this country’s future. this government made changes to the tax system, giving new Zealanders more money in their pockets, in order to ensure people have more choice about how they spend their income. We have introduced national Standards in schools to help all children lift educational achievement. We’re making these changes because we’re aspirational for new Zealand and we believe with a bit of help, new Zealanders can achieve great things. At PArAcHUte We BelIeve tHAt MUSIc cArrIeS MeSSAgeS tHAt cAn cHAnge lIveS - IS tHere A Song tHAt HAd An eFFect on yoUr lIFe?dave dobbyn’s ‘loyal’ is an iconic song - when I hear it, it makes me proud to be a Kiwi.

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Feature

started out like any other year. new year’s parties, fireworks, the promise of a fresh year ahead, and resolutions to

become better people inside and out.

then, in February, the earth began to shake... again.

It’s strange that as nature starts to make herself known, our human resolve also starts to shake. Unimaginable experiences become our reality and for that moment on, life is never the same.

And yet, what is it that gives us the resilience to withstand life’s deepest tragedies? Why is it that people the world over can sing and dance when they have nothing but the clothes on their backs? Why is it that our world goes black for a time but then the sun starts to shine again? Why is it that we all go through pain and loss and grief, yet we somehow box on and come out the other side?

even in the earth shaking, we’re reminded of a force that is bigger than us. one that is out of our control. the tsunami and quake that tore Japan apart was like something from a big-budget movie. yet amidst the massive loss, people have battled on through the ruins to repair and rebuild. In our own backyard, the people of canterbury are facing daily challenges that are unprecedented in this country. What they are experiencing will shape a generation.

yet yet yet… somehow we pick up the pieces of life and start running again.

A lot of those pieces can be explained in easy terms - they’re just the ‘stuff’ of life, things that are replaceable, bricks and mortar.

We’re reminded again that it’s our family and friends who are important; if you have community, you can survive.

on the other hand, when those pieces are lives that have been lost - that’s a whole other thing. And the old cliches that get trotted out give faint hope when dealing with grief.

yet yet yet…through this all, somehow we pick up the pieces of life and start running again.

Perhaps we were created to endure. to find solace through the storms in a god who cares. to understand that god is not out to get us but there to love us. to fathom that the earth will shake, the rains will come. that joy and sorrow go hand in hand. And that grief and loss is part of life. opposites…yet all synced in together to make up this thing called life. on earth.

the human spirit was knitted together with a resilience and a toughness to survive and yet our vulnerability is the thing that turns us to god.

god weeps when we weep. He sees our pain and it makes Him sad. yet through it all He is present. real. Available. comforter, listener and Strong Arm.

Suffering is part of living. Strength is the resolve to get through it. to focus on what’s ahead not what’s behind. to allow god and others in when isolation is all too comfortable.

We box on because we have to. It’s this thing called life.

THIS THING CALLED

LIFEWordS By cHrIS de Jong

2011

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LIFE

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At Majestic church we have a simple but profound Purpose Statement, which underpins all we are and do. It is to SHoW love, gIve HoPe and InSPIre FAItH.

After ten months of major earthquakes and their ongoing aftershocks - 7500 to date; it would be reasonable to expect to be recipients of some faith, hope and love rather than the givers of these things. yet you come to realise that it’s not a case of ‘either or’ - it’s both of these; being gracious receivers and gracious givers.

When a challenge of this magnitude confronts you head on, almost everything changes. From geographic challenges for the church, to coping with the increase in emotional energy loads, you realise that a new normal is being formed across your whole life. We have had to find new premises to operate out of for all that we do, from Sundays to all our weekly events and creative Arts schools. Multiply this across the city to families and their homes, businesses, schools, churches etc and you begin to understand the enormity of what we currently face and the challenging road ahead. on top of all this, there are the ongoing aftershocks, which will eventually cease having released the energy from the earth.

this is a time when our city and her people need the three things that will always remain; faith, hope and love. Faith in a faithful god, hope for a positive and prosperous future, and love for each other.

nehemiah is a favourite character of mine and his story has many parallels to ours. His reaction to the state of his city Jerusalem is documented in the first chapter of his book. “When I heard this I sat down and wept. In fact for days I mourned fasted and prayed.” We have reacted just as nehemiah did, because it’s what we as people do. But nehemiah didn’t stay in that dark place. He lived in the experience of god’s love for people and their city, he had an unwavering hope for the future of Jerusalem, borne out of a compelling vision, and he acted in faith to do something about it, with remarkable results.

Without faith, hope and love we are less equipped to move forward - but with it, our city will be restored, because of these living eternal attributes and not just because of what we as people can physically achieve.

this is an opportune time for the christian community to really outwork the big three. tragedy is an all too familiar part of life, but faith, hope and love give us the confidence to carry on and make a difference.

Pastor Leo HanssenSenior Minister, Majestic church, christchurch

LIFE GOES ONAS SenIor MInISter oF cHrIStcHUrcH’S MAJeStIc cHUrcH, leo HAnSSen HAS Seen A cIty devAStAted By trAgedy, SHAKen to ItS very core.

THE CHALLENGES OF A

CHARITABLE

A Q&A WItH PAr AcHUte MUSIc’S ceo MArK de Jong.

Feature

TRUST24

How did ParacHute Music start? We set up Parachute Music in 1989, with a clear mission to develop christian musicians and bring people closer to Jesus through their music. At that time, a few of us had been involved in organising a christian music festival called Mainstage. When Mainstage finished, we saw potential for a new festival that supported the mission of Parachute Music, and Parachute Festival was born. We try and fulfil our Parachute Music mission through many avenues, including the Festival.

wHat does it Mean to be a cHaritable trust? Being a trust means we are not a commercial business - we’re a not-for-profit entity. As a trust, we’re governed by a group of trustees, who form the board of Parachute Arts trust. these trustees give their time and knowledge voluntarily and oversee the direction of our mission and our financial management.

wHat’s tHe reality of being a not-for-Profit? We are very different from a business enterprise. For a start, there are no owners or commercial shareholders - any surplus money goes directly back into our mission. like most not-for-profits, we rely on significant financial support from individuals who want to get behind what we do. Most of our support comes from the donations of Parachute Supporters.

I am really grateful for the Supporters who get behind us - without them, we would struggle to fund our mission. It’s invaluable to us to know that we are backed by an army of people committed to helping us fulfil our mission. Additional support comes from some individuals who are exceedingly generous and charity funding from various trusts.

How do you tHink ParacHute Music is Perceived, and How does tHat differ froM tHe reality? I think people see a well-run Festival and assume that we are a very wealthy, slick organisation. It’s true that we are totally dedicated to excellence - we strive to deliver an outstanding Festival with the best artists from home and abroad. But we’re not wealthy. not many charities are. Financially speaking, we don’t make a surplus from Festival - in a good year, it covers its costs. In a bad year, it doesn’t. each year it is a real struggle to forecast how well the Festival will go financially.

take Parachute 2011 for example. despite plenty of careful planning, hard work and some great feedback, we came out of the Festival below break even, to the tune of $150,000. this was due to a number of things; the weather, economic climate and a few unexpected costs. this puts huge pressure on us, but pressure can be a good catalyst for re-evaluation - it’s made us think about how we do our work, and look at what changes we need to make in order to still be fulfilling our mission 20 years from now. We’re working hard to reduce the costs of Festival - 2012 is going to look very different, as we try to deliver an internationally respected Festival at a lower cost risk.

How do you Present tHe Mission’s objectives, activities and needs? We communicate as much as we can. We talk about our mission, our people and our needs. We do this through my Mainstage talks at Festival, through avenues like this magazine and through our website.

It’s important that people know about the breadth of what we do. Parachute Festival is a vital part of our mission, but it’s only a part of the bigger picture:

• We’re taking Kiwi worship around the world with the Parachute Band• We are deeply involved with christian musicians, from management, to publishing, to capturing their sound at Parachute Studios.• We’re committed to developing artists through our various noise training events held throughout the year.

…on top of all that, we’ve started expanding into Australia. And all of this work is looked after by a staff of 21 people.

wHat are ParacHute Music’s needs rigHt now?one of our greatest needs at the moment is finance. Most importantly, we have a shortfall from Festival this year to make up. I think we also need to learn how to fundraise better, to find ways of getting financial support for what we do.

It’s not about being greedy - at the moment we are bolstered by 2500 amazing Supporters, whose monthly donations help make our work developing christian musicians and their music possible. But our mission is growing - we feel called to push the boat out even further, and financial support is a necessity that will help us do that.

We need to communicate the different facets of Parachute Music and ask more people to become a vital part of this movement. We believe that music is an incredible force in the world today - there are few things more potentially life-changing than the right song heard at the right time. We need support to get those songs and their positive messages out there to the thousands of young people who need to hear them.

How do you balance tHe tension between business and Ministry? We need to be good at business in order to be an effective ministry. In order to fulfil the mission we feel god has given us, we need to be excellent, professional and accountable. Parachute Music spent 20 years building a reputation, one that has given us a position of influence, where we can be an effective voice in the nZ music industry.

the quality and impact of our ministry is the ultimate goal - bringing more people into relationship with Jesus through music.

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tHere IS A conStAnt converSAtIon goIng on BetWeen FAItH And tHe generAtIonS. tHe FolloWIng oPInIon PIece IS A

PArt oF tHAt converSAtIon; FroM one MIllenIAl to tHe cHUrcH.

Opinion

GENERATION

NEXTWordS By lUKe or AM

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ou’ve given us a plethora of flattering monikers; we’re the Millenials, generation y, generation next, the net generation, the Peter Pan generation, the echo Boomers. It seems you’re also a little bit scared of

us. “Is your firm ready for the Millenials?” bawl the alarmist business journal headlines, as if we were some kind of fowl-housed pandemic.

you watch us with a strange mix of fear and morbid curiosity as we strut into the back pews of your churches with our jam-jar glasses, painted-heart tattoos and ironic facial hair. And in the rear hollows of your mind, you hear a faint, unimpressed drawl say “entertain me”.

Meanwhile, perched on an impossibly high aluminium stool somewhere, American 60 Minutes anchor Morley Safer remarks in his perennial lisp, “the Millenials. their priorities are simple…they come first”.

Hey, I’m right there with you Morley. After all, our generation has the dubious honour of having invented the “It’s All About Me” t-shirt. you and yours Morley, well you gave us the much more altruistic “Make love, not War”.

I will say this; we may be the most individualistic generation, but we’re also one of the most self-aware. Maybe that’s why we’re such a handful. Maybe that’s why goldman Sachs hires experts to prep their employees for our outrageous demands and assertiveness? It’s true - I looked it up on the Internet, another Millenial play pal.

We are a handful in those back pews too. As generation x leaders, the last remnants of the spiritual awakening, you stare at us as we fill up your churches. you wonder how to get us ‘plugged in’ to the community, how to get us interested in the Bible, how to speak to us in a language that we take so much pleasure in reducing to asinine acronyms like lol, BrB, etc.

I’ve been privy to those conversations. I’ve sat through them, like a generational double-agent. And it’s made me think about what I want, who I am, where I fit in the church.

y

Opinion “We may be the most individualistic generation, but we’re also one of the most self-aware”.

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Here’s the problem. I think we’re being misinterpreted by our leaders. they’re getting close, but landing just shy of the mark.

yes, we’re selfish. But it doesn’t mean we’re isolationist. We crave community more than most generations before us. We just want community on our terms. And we’re cynical. We wrote the book on cynicism. And irony. And sarcasm. But that doesn’t mean we’re disinterested. don’t think of our criticism as anti-establishment. Studies have shown that as a generation, we are accepting of authority, we respect institutions - but we’re the children of a jaded generation. We have zero tolerance for leaders who fail us. I used to think that we Millenials were afraid of commitment, that we didn’t understand it. Maybe our church leaders think the same of us. It’s an easy impression to get. But we’re not afraid of throwing ourselves into a cause. It’s the cause that’s eluding us.

At the heart of it, I’m not cynical of the church because I don’t like the church. Perhaps I’m cynical because I am part of a generation who can see the fault lines in a flawed and human institution more clearly than ever.

you know the best way to deal with us? Permission.

It’s the great disarming. Because we are cynical, but we are not roosevelt’s “cold and timid souls”, standing on the sidelines of the great arena unwilling to participate. We have ideas about this thing called church - they’re crazy ideas, they may scare you.

But they are ideas that infer ownership, not mutiny. church leaders, may I humbly suggest that your best bet is not to try and figure us out.

Instead, give us your churches.

our generation was born thinking we could do a better job. So call our bluff. give us a job. let us get your church walls dirty with our crazy ideas. And don’t worry; we’re not after your position. We’re not looking to steal anything from you. We’re not trying to erase your heritage, we’re just trying to create one of our own.

this is your key to ‘buy in’. It seems so counter-culture, but then most aspects of the gospel are.

My father felt ownership of his church because he helped to build it. Quite literally; his hands covered in dried mortar and aluminium shavings. His father too.

And that’s what I want. Mortar on my hands. to be able to walk my children through my church, as my father did, and say “we built that”.

So don’t be scared of us, leaders. Just pass the hammer.

whaT abouT The bands?

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MeMBerS: (l to r) Jeremy, elliot, Sam, omega, callum

HAIlS FroM:Auckland, new Zealand

BeSt StAge MoMent:Playing on the Mainstage at creation Festival in Pennsylvania, USA and leading 65,000 people in worship with the nZ written worship song ‘glorified.’

WorSt StAge MoMent:Sam being sick and only just making it off stage moments before throwing up in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

HIgHlIgHtS: We’re loving being a part of some groundbreaking events in eastern europe. taking love WItHoUt MeASUre into places like Slovakia and Slovenia for the first time is extremely humbling and amazing to see!

WHAt’S coMIng UP? A busy end to the year visiting Asia, Australia and the U.S.

StorIeS FroM tHe roAd:We played a show at a church in Sacramento, cA. there was a man who came to the service we were playing at; he was a tough guy, a prisoner on probation. For the first half of the set he wasn’t at all interested, and by the end he had his arms raised and a tear in his eye. He gave his life to the lord that day….that’s what it’s all about!

PaRachuTe band

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RaPTuReRucKusMeMBerS:(l to r) Mike, Brad, Josh

HAIlS FroM:Wellington, currently based in nashville, U.S.

BeSt StAge MoMent:Walking off stage at Parachute Festival 2011 - we were out of time, but the crowd started singing ‘lose control’, the song we would have played to close the set.

WorSt StAge MoMent:too many to choose from. Falling off stage,knocking over speaker stacks, slipping over on water and cracking my head, getting things thrown at you. good times.

HIgHlIgHtS: We’re playing over 130 shows this year and we’re loving the opportunity to tour and meet great people. A recent highlight was opening for Switchfoot at a show in Western Australia - we got to have some great chats with Jon Foreman about the best surf spots around the world!

WHAt’S coMIng UP? Playing at a bunch of summer festivals in the U.S. and canada including creation (West & east) which is huge. A lot of the same bands are out doing the festivals, and it’s great being part of a community of artists that are united around a common goal.

StorIeS FroM tHe roAd:Someone recently shared this story with us about how the song ‘Hold on’ had affected them:

“I just moved from Knoxville from Greenville, TN and I went back home to visit. As I was driving back to Knoxville I broke down crying because I missed my family and wasn’t sure about the move anymore. Then your song came on the radio and the only part I heard was the chorus (“Hold on, help is coming, hold on, you‘re gonna make it through the rain”) - it’s all I needed to hear to remind me that God was in this move and that I was exactly where He wanted me to be.”

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JuLiaGRaceHAIlS FroM:rural Auckland, new Zealand

BeSt StAge MoMent:‘designing Women’ conference in Brisbane 2010, my first chance to perform songs from my latest album BeAUtIFUl SUrvIvor. A very fulfilling moment.

WorSt StAge MoMent:A ‘wardrobe malfunction’ while opening a Parachute Festival... enough said.

HIgHlIgHtS: It’s been great to be able to take songs from my recent album out onto the road in the last few months as well as taking the chance to teach, preach and add messages to the stories in my songs.

WHAt’S coMIng UP? A bunch of trips to the sunny shores of Australia and lots of collaboration with World vision over there. very exciting...

StorIeS FroM tHe roAd:I’ve loved hearing stories from people who have connected with the new album - a lady recently said this to me about the song ‘Beautiful Survivor’:

“I seem to be drawn to this song when life seems to be weighing me down. It sparks up hope that our King actually is standing by us, no matter what blunders life may be throwing at us. It encourages me to look up at our heavenly Daddy in our weakness and that us willing, He will bring us out of it stronger and more beautiful than ever - in His power.”

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aRT oF sLeePinGMeMBerS:(l to r) caleb, Francois, Patrick, Jarryd, Jean-Paul

HAIlS FroM:Brisbane, Australia

BeSt StAge MoMent:Seeing people in the crowd sing along to our songs...that’s a great feeling.

WorSt StAge MoMent:We played a gig at the gold coast and the people running the show had promised us a PA/sound system and mixing desk. When we got there (1.5 hours drive) they showed us the ‘system’... it was a portable Sony cd player ha ha. epic fail!

HIgHlIgHtS: People seem to enjoy the music we create and that makes us happy. the shows we’ve played over the last 5 months have been highlights. Having a few sold out shows where people other than our friends pay to see us play is always good. We love playing live and it’s nice to see people getting into our music.

WHAt’S coMIng UP? our main focus this year is on writing new material. We’d love to record another eP or album as we feel like we’re really discovering who we are as a band. We also have some cool shows coming up - we’re currently working on shows in Melbourne & Brisbane with our friends the Paper Kites.

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RubY FRosTHAIlS FroM:Auckland, new Zealand

BeSt StAge MoMent:Playing at the viper room in l.A last year was pretty amazing... it’s not as big as I thought it would be but the atmosphere was cool and my drummer even got a tattoo straight afterwards. It says, “I just played the viper room”.

WorSt StAge MoMent:When I played an acoustic show one Parachute Festival with me and another guitarist. We both (unknowingly) tuned our guitars in completely different keys. realising what was happening was horror, but now in hindsight it’s a little bit funny.

HIgHlIgHtS: I’ve worked with some amazing people over the past year, so meeting them all has probably been my highlight. Meeting my current producer chris Zane in new york was extremely cool. Also just playing heaps of local shows and trying to get better performance-wise has been really fun... I’m learning a lot.

WHAt’S coMIng UP? My first album is coming out soon! It’s a life-dream to put out my own record and just goes to show you that sometimes your heart’s desires do come true. I’m also going to try and tour a bit more.

StorIeS FroM tHe roAd:Mt eden dubstep remixed my song ‘o that I Had’ this year and put it on youtube - reading peoples comments on there has reminded me again why I write songs:

“Makes you feel like something is missing from your life...I don’t know how to describe it...”

“After getting out of rehab this song means something to me. I feel like I’m starting a new life...this song is my theme.”

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FRoM TheenGineRooMausTRaLia uPdaTeIn recent years we’ve seen our mission grow and we’ve been challenged to think bigger. For us, this has meant taking a look over the ditch at our cousins. In Australia we see a need for the things we do over here; namely, encouraging christian artists and helping them reach their potential.

For three years now we’ve been running Australian events in the days leading up to Parachute Festival, featuring some of the Festival’s headline acts. this year’s ‘Indescribable’ events were a runaway success; two nights of worship with chris tomlin, Henry Seeley and the Parachute Band in Brisbane and Melbourne. Brisbane’s show, which took place on Australia day, saw the capacity crowd singing ‘god of this city’ in full voice, just weeks after the f loods that devastated Queensland.

With the ongoing support of World vision Australia and local christian media, we’re going to keep growing what we do across the tasman. 2012 will see us preview Parachute headliners casting crowns in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. We’ll also be bringing noise to Australia, with training events already planned for later this year.

local Parachute artists like rapture ruckus, Juliagrace and Parachute Band are now performing regularly in Australia; rapture ruckus recently made waves on the stages of toowomba’s easterfest & Strawberry Jam Festival in Perth.

We celebrated our first Australian signing last year; a management deal with Brisbane’s Art of Sleeping. over the next few years we’re looking to bring more Australian acts onto the Parachute roster.

currently, Ben Slatter from our new Zealand office devotes half his time to the development of our work in Australia - by next year, we’ll have our very first Australia-based employee.

Rwanda uPdaTeIt was in 2006 that Parachute founders Mark and chris de Jong first visited rwanda. on this trip, they visited World vision’s development project in tubehoneza, a community in the nation’s capital city Kigali.

Since then, Parachute Music has been working with World vision to help raise money for tubehoneza. More than 45,000 people live in the impoverished project, with little resources. child-headed families lead a generation of orphans, created by the 1994 genocide. World vision’s active presence is now bringing hope to this community, offering much-needed practical help.

Parachute Music has made a long-term commitment to tubehoneza. over the last five Festivals, our punters have donated $265,000 for the community and more than 1,900 of their children have been sponsored at Parachute events. this amazing generosity has built 5 water tanks, 3 classrooms and a maternity unit for the people of tubehoneza.

In 2011, 69 children were sponsored, and $32,551 was raised for micro-enterprise, enabling orphaned youth in rwanda to receive training in order to create sustainable businesses to support themselves and their families. the Weet-Bix Big Breakfast, with its gold coin entry brought the total raised for rwanda to $38,000.

this year is a landmark in Parachute’s relationship with tubehoneza and its surrounding area, with a new health centre due to open in August, funded by money raised at Parachute 2009 and 2010. this centre will see increased access to healthcare and the transformation of hundreds of lives.

to sponsor a child from tubehoneza phone World vision on 0800 80 776.

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woMen’s ReFuGeIt was in the lead-up to Parachute 2009 that we felt like it was time to cast our eye on our own backyard, looking at an issue close to our home and getting behind a local organisation doing something about it.

this was the beginning of our relationship with Women’s refuge nZ. As an organisation, they’ve spent 38 years advocating against domestic violence - an issue that the media will tell you is far from being quelled in this country.

Women’s refuge is run by 988 nationwide staff, 631 of whom are volunteers. through their 24 hour crisis line, partnerships with government agencies and their 45 safe houses through the country, they provide over 2000 services a week to women and children dealing with domestic violence.

Parachute 2011 marked the organisation’s third year at at the Festival. We saw punters donate 1000 cans of food to Women’s refuge. Watties matched and doubled this contribution, adding 2000 cans to the final tally.

this year’s ‘What Would you do’ campaign saw approximately 150 people visit the Women’s refuge tent at Parachute, sharing stories of domestic violence, or asking advice on behalf of friends. of course, statistics like these are bittersweet - it’s never pleasing to hear stories of mistreatment, but at least these stories were being shared in a safe space, with people who could offer advice and support.

Women’s refuge say their time at Parachute Festival has given them the chance to speak to a whole new group of people, proactively sharing their message; “our presence at Parachute Music Festival has given us the opportunity to speak to many young men and women about healthy relationships, how to keep themselves safe if they are living with domestic violence,…hopefully these young people will take our advice into their futures for their own benefit or for the benefit of others.”

We’re fully behind Women’s refuge and everything they do. If you want to know how you can help out, or make a donation, head to their website www.womensrefuge.org.nz.

business suPPoRTeRsIf you believe in the mission of Parachute Music, you can support us through your business. corporate partnerships are a growing part of what we do and we want to invite more businesses to be a part of the Parachute Music family. In appreciation, you will receive free tickets to our events, invitations to guest functions and active profiling of your business through our communication channels - as you get behind us, we’ll be encouraging Supporters to get behind you too. It’s a family thing.

3 memBersHiP oPTions:SILVER $200 + gSt per month / $2,400 + gSt per annum

GOLD $500 + gSt per month / $6,000 + gSt per annum

PLATINUM $1,000 + gSt per month / $12,000 + gSt per annum

Join uPcontact us for an enquiry pack or more information by phoning Keryn grogan on (09) 815 0370 ext 201, or emailing supporters@parachutemusic.com

sTudio & ReheaRsaLsPace uPdaTeIn February, after 6 years, we closed our Mt eden road studios. With our new Kingsland premises affording us some extra space, we’re incorporating new studios and rehearsal rooms into Parachute H.Q.

It’s been our desire for a long time to create a communal hub for musicians and artists; a place where they can rehearse, record and house their creativity. With the help of fundraising we’ve gathered $83,000, including money donated by Parachute 2011 punters. We still need $20,000 to see this completed.

We’re working on having the first stages of this project complete by the end of the year. We’re pretty excited about that.

Parachute wishes to thank the Arjay trust, Matua charitable trust and the many individuals who have contributed to this project.

As A chArity, finding funding for whAt we do is A constAnt chAllenge. rAising money isn’t An eAsy tAsk - thAt’s why supporters Are such A huge pArt of finAnciAlly enAbling the ministry of pAr Achute music.

It’s also important that we strive to be good stewards with the money we are given; constantly reviewing how we spend it and being open to input.

Parachute Music has been around for over 20 years now, and over that time we’ve faced the same challenges as most other charitable organisations. the music industry in particular is one that poses many financial risks as its very landscape changes before our eyes - we’ve carried many of those risks. that said, we’ve also established ourselves as a reputable organisation in the industry, providing training, support and representation for artists, as well as one of the most widely respected christian festivals in the world.

MoneY

a cLoseR LooKearlier this year, we undertook a funding review. the purpose of this review was to get a realistic snapshot of what we do. We were particularly interested in seeing how Parachute was viewed, and exploring possible ways to grow our funding.

We interviewed key people associated with Parachute Music; Supporters, Parachute Festival and noise event punters, sponsors, Pastors, major donors, people from trusts and foundations, media, and other influencers.

We asked these people what we were doing well, what we could do better, what they’d like to see us do more of and how they thought we could add to our funding streams.

Here’s WHAT We founD ouT: • A lot of people believe in us and feel ownership of our mission. In fact, people want more buy-in; they want to know our needs so they can help.• Many felt the number of Supporters was too small.• People suggested expanding our commercial funding activities - not many objected to more sponsorship at Festival, within reason.

We also learnt that there was a perception issue with Parachute Music. Many people see us as a large, successful operation and therefore assume that we have a lot of money. this is not true, and it raises the question - how do we more effectively communicate our mission needs, while still looking professional and delivering world-class artists and events?

heRe’s wheRe we’Re aTArTisTstouring is getting more expensive, as is running events. We have a lot of experience in many of the things we do, but this doesn’t mean it gets easier. Actually, the financial climate is making things harder. Artists need a lot of support to do what they do. We want to assist them more by:

• giving experienced management to help with every aspect of their career,from day-to-day issues to long-term planning

• Providing input into building strong personal & spiritual lives

• giving them training and inspiration through events like noise

• organising tours and other events to build their profile

• Assisting them to record in a way that won’t bankrupt them

• Providing rehearsal and song writing facilities

• Building a community for christian musicians

evenTsevery year it gets more difficult to make Parachute Festival and the other events we run break even financially. We are constantly balancing quality and excellence with cost. At the moment we are in the middle of a major cost cutting exercise for Parachute Festival - we need to generate more money to move the Festival into the future.

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for more informATion Go To PA rAcHuTemusic.com/DonATe

donoR and coRPoRaTe FundinG souRcesProJecTion ocT 2010 - seP 2011

suPPorTersconTriBuTions$552,200

sPonsorsHiP$295,140

funDr A isinG$82,500

*the creative department decided that a chocolate bar was more appealing than a pie chart. the added bonus being that the office digested the entire packet once the layout was done. Apologies to pie lovers and financial gurus.

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*

DeficiT$252,691

sToRiesStorIeS Are tHe FUel tHAt KeeP US cHArgIng. tHey reInForce WHy MUSIc IS oUr l A ngUAge. Here’S A SAMPlIng:

came to Parachute, not a christian, and not interested in becoming one. I had heard that the music was fantastic, and also had the opportunity to join the crew. At the beginning of Parachute, a man came up to me and asked if I believed in god, truthfully I said no, and he began hounding me, which caused me to not even consider what he was saying, and

close up. later in the Festival when I was attending the morning meeting I heard some amazing stories of how people came to find god. At the end of the meeting anyone who wanted to find god could put up their hand, and pray to let him into their lives. I was so moved by the stories that were told and it just felt right, so I lifted my hand. Parachute was a life changing experience for me. It took a while for some of my friends to accept my choice, but with the help of my church, family and friends, I am coming to terms with my faith and am not ashamed to tell people that I’m a christian.thanks Parachute.

I

s a solo parent with two young boys I surrendered my life to god as a new year’s resolution in december 1999. our family hairdresser who is a christian then invited me along to her church where I spent a lot of time letting god access my heart and bring healing. A couple of years later, another friend invited me to Parachute 2001. I loved the

family type atmosphere, the genuine people, and the awesome speakers. the bands were the icing on the cake, especially the worship bands. I ended up becoming a Parachute Supporter and have come along every year since.

I would bring my youngest son Sam with me. He didn’t like going to church and thought religion was boring, but loved coming to Parachute. In 2006, at the Mainstage he answered an altar call after greg laurie delivered a message. Sam felt convicted by the Holy Spirit and gave his life to Jesus. Sam is now 20 and has a lifetime Pass to Parachute; he won’t miss a year. January 2012 will be our 12th straight year, even though he goes with his mates now and I’m married again. He’s full on with his church and youth group, and he loves music. He’s actively involved as a leader in his church and has a huge heart for the lost. He even invited his older brother Ben to a reggie dabbs event, and Ben ended up asking Jesus into his life.

Sam’s now a very happy young man with a huge future in god ahead of him. Parachute has been a platform for this to happen and I would confidently say that was it not for Parachute, Sam would probably not have become a christian. the flow-on effect of one christian birthed into the Kingdom is immeasurable, so I hope you can see the value that just one person has on the world. And with church in many ways not being a place that attracts young people, Parachute has an incredible ministry into the future.

he Saturday at Parachute 2011 is a day that is going to stick with me for a long time to come. It signifies a time where god has been making me restless, to not just settle for the comfortable... but to pursue christ and where He is leading my life - no matter how scary it may feel.t

A

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I

ould you please pass on to the noise team how enjoyable it was the other night with Sam and omega in new Plymouth. I was really blessed to see the gentle humble nature of them both and once again marvel at how the lord continually seems to choose the weak to confound the wise.

’ll never forget Parchute 2007, when I gave my life to god for the first time. I didn’t think things could get bigger than that until 2010 when I came back and was saved all over again.

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thank you for meeting with me for my “Make a Wish”. It was an honour to meet you and the guys in your band.

Being at Parachute was a real blessing and the first time I have been on holiday for over two years because I’ve been too sick to go anywhere.

Meeting you and the band was so amazing. It was exciting seeing all of you, seeing how god’s working through you Brian makes me happy,

god’s using you to help others so much and he’s helping you too.

Aaron Bayard - Make a Wish Champion

deaRbRian

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