Classical music to wow fans

Pupils out to inspire local community

An Atteridgeville music school is gearing up for a classical music concert tomorrow.

Creative Arts for the Youth will tomorrow play for community members at the local hall in the township west of Pretoria.

The school, which is run from the local Walton Jameson Primary School, boasts 80 musicians who play instruments like the cello, violin, viola, double base and piano.

Music teacher Moleko Tladi, who has been offering the lessons for over 10 years, said the concert had been running for only three years. The 60year-old English teacher said it was very expensive to maintain their instruments as they survive on donations.

Tladi said he often used his own money to buy equipment and has learnt how to fix musical instruments. “We spent close to R6 000 in the past six months fixing and maintaining. I can generally fix things because I can build and fit cupboards as well, and I sometimes use Google to learn how to fix the instruments.”

Tladi said some of his major costs were transportation and food when they had concerts.

Koketso Mailula, 19, who is described as the chief violinist, will also play solo tomorrow.

“I am excited because people will finally get to see us play, and see what we’ve been doing when we’ve been carrying these instruments up and down every day,” she said.

Kabelo Mashilo, who can play the violin and cello, said: “I used to be a bully before [engaging in] music, but since [Tladi] approached me to join his lessons, I’ve changed.”

The concert will be held at the Holy Trinity Hall. Tickets are R80 and doors open at 1pm.