Media Statement: Minister Anroux Marais celebrates youth in music excellence | Western Cape Government

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Media Statement: Minister Anroux Marais celebrates youth in music excellence

9 March 2020

Yesterday, 8 March 2020, Minister Anroux Marais addressed participating students at the Youth in Music Excellence Initiative hosted by the Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA) as part of the Toyota US Woordfees. Presented by top international and local music educators, the Youth in Music Excellence Initiative included a focused workshop for scholars in various aspects of jazz music and culminated into an award ceremony concert on Sunday evening.

CTMA programme manager, Vicky Davis, said the workshop consisted of a series of educational and performance workshops that are designed to develop, shape and elevate the young musicians` skills and pursuits. Davis says: “YME takes a hands-on, holistic approach which, apart from the music lessons, also includes sessions in psychology, marketing, music production, music business, technology and etiquette.”

Group ensembles, formed during the workshop performed at the concert, where Minister Marais presented certificates to all participating students. At the special concert, Minister Marais noted the Youth in Music Excellence programme is facilitating exposure to music training for young people from all communities, including those who normally would not have opportunities in furthering their jazz and modern music skills development. Minister Marais said “It is through special interventions such as these, and the passion and dedication of the CTMA, that these opportunities become real life experiences for young talented people. It is also through programmes such as these, that exceptional talent is recognised and exposed. The Western Cape Government is proud to join the CTMA team, and in this way also play an important part in the Toyota US Woordfees.” 

Another highlight was that the YME Youth Band, selected from the top students over the weekend, performed as an opening act for Karen Zoid and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra in the Karen Zoid 20 Years Pops Concert at the Woordfees on Sunday evening. The YME band will continue to perform throughout the year, including the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, Suidooster Festival and International Jazz Day. 

Media Enquiries: 
Stacy McLean

Spokesperson to Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais
083 504 1171