Music Literacy Workshop Held to Develop Youth Music Bands | Western Cape Government

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Music Literacy Workshop Held to Develop Youth Music Bands

1 February 2009
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in increasing their efforts in curbing anti-social behaviour, job creation and youth development, held a music literacy workshop at their cultural facility in Melkbos from 30 January to 01 February 2009.

This initiative aimed at developing youth music bands all over the country and was runing in conjunction with the Western Cape Music Association, Kolping and COAST (Cape Outdoor Adventure Services and Training).

57 youth from areas all in the Western Cape attended the three day long workshop run by Western Cape music icon Ian Smith, acclaimed musician and Cultural Award winner Camillo Lombard, Shaun Cloete and Stefne Van Dyk. The youth were identified from the following areas: Ocean View, Bonteheuwel, Delft, Nyanga, Gugulethu and Overberg region. They come from varying music backgrounds and despite the abundant talent, these young people had no formal training; they could not read sheet music and had always played by ear.

A music literacy programme was thus started by Ian Smith. It was a chance for young musician to come together in learning and thus creating a networking opportunity. Peer presenters were also present to motivate other young people. Chad Lawrence, an 18 year old from Woodstock has been playing the trombone for 5 years. He has since played at the Jazzathon 2008 and 2009. "I have never received formal training and I have taught myself how to play the instrument. However I believe it is very important to receive such training as it is very easy to pick up bad habits from playing without the necessary training."

The outcomes of such a workshop are increasing chances of job creation and fighting the war against poverty and crime. The University of Stellenbosh have also joined forces and are offering an introductory course in music at their satellite campus in Caledon, offering talented young people an early start to studying music and offering them a chance to be able to study full-time with the university. Axolile Hoza a 14 year old from Caledon is currently in Grade 10 and is also attending the Stellenbosh programme. "This presents us with an opportunity to study both the theory and practical side of music and to be able to start on a university course at this stage also boosts my confidence a musician because I know I am a very good player but having other people believe in me gives me the extra encouragement I need to take my music further."

Other students with potential will be included in the outreach project of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

The weekend training ended off with a soulful and exciting concert rendered by the freshly inspired youth with Ian Smith and Camillo Lombard giving solos at the trumpet and bass guitar respectively.


For Enquiries:

Angus Flowers
Media Liaison Officer
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9800
Fax: 021 483 9521
Email: aflowers@pgwc.gov.za
Mobile: 078 530 5943

Daniel Johnson
Head Communication and Marketing
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9514
Fax: 021 483 9521
Email: dmjohnson@pgwc.gov.za
Mobile: 083 711 1407

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