Orchestra’s music programme uplifts poor pupils
CLASSICAL music lessons are in full swing for more than 60 primary and high school pupils, aged between five and 15, from various townships across the city.
Four days a week various schools send their pupils to the Artscape Theatre for training as part of the Masidlale Music Project, launched in 2009, which hones the skills of musically gifted pupils.
The lessons are fast-paced and rigorous, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra teachers ensure every lesson is worthwhile.
There are 63 pupils in five strings projects in Langa, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Atlantis, and one woodwinds project in Mamre.
Instructor Ash-lee Louwskieter puts the pupils through some exercises, correcting their form and technique when necessary.
The methodology Louwskieter uses in his practice has consistently produced some of the best musicians in the city, if not the country or the continent, he said.
Louwskieter teaches his young pupils to experience and understand the music they will perform for their audience, and trains them to “transform communities, build capacity and provide opportunities” for professional musical development.
Grass-roots projects like Masidlale exist to provide young children with string or woodwind instrument training, “irrespective of their financial means or background”, said Louwskieter.
Teachers like Louwskieter are trained by their senior Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, completing a circle of skills transfer.
“Communities we target are previously disadvantaged. Music improves social skills, builds teamwork, improves their knowledge, instils discipline and is fun.
“Music is a process that needs perseverance because in order to play the instrument they (children) must have music fundamentals and work on their voices.
“What we are doing is not window dressing but developing the young talent, which would otherwise be wasted,” he added.
“There is definitely a career path in orchestra, we are not just keeping the children off the streets.”
Louwskieter said there was a large number of children on the waiting list for the programme’s next intake.
Participant Lilitha Simangala, 11, said music makes him relax, fulfils his potential and is fun.
“I was nervous when I first started, but afterwards I felt good and now I am okay.
“As difficult as it is to use orchestra instruments, everyone of us works hard and we are learning new things every day,” Lilitha added.
Teacher Siyathemba Nteta said the aim was to train the pupils to be able to train others one day.
“We want to see them playing in the biggest concerts, but it is up to them to reach that stage,” said Nteta.