Marvellous marimbas at Spiritfest

This year a group of talented marimba players will bring African music into the spotlight with 13 vibrant songs during Spiritfest 2016, as they beat out the African rhythm from their souls, creating beautiful melodies pleasing to the ear.

A marimba is a percussion instrument, consisting of wooden bars which are struck with mallets/beaters to produce the sound. The lower three instruments are fitted with a sound box which serves to amplify the sound. The bars are arranged in the same order as the keys on a piano. During the marimba performances at Spiritfest there will be six marimbas. They range in size from the piccolo as the highest to the bass, the lowest instrument.

The group, led by Penny Whitford, an experienced and passionate music teacher, has been hard at work perfecting their performance. Penny has been a music teacher her whole working life and her qualifications include B.Mus (Rhodes) and an R.U.L.M (school music diploma).

The group is made up of primary school children ranging from Grade 3 through to Grade 7. The group consists of two girls and three boys who are students at Oatlands Preparatory school and Graeme College.

Culumanco Kwatsha, 12, one of the marimba players, has been under the guidance of Whitford for four years, and notes that the most enjoyable part of playing the marimbas is performing during Spiritfest.

She explains that she likes playing the marimbas because marimbas are “very African” and appeal to her enjoyment of her tradition and culture. Culu shares that she feels “joy and calmness” while playing the marimbas, and is excited by the “vibe and atmosphere the marimbas create”.

During a practice session, each performer excitedly grins from ear to ear as they create their own part, which combines with the melodies of the other marimba players to create a marvellous mature piece. The group’s passion for music and talent on the marimbas are sure to come together well for an exciting and enjoyable performance.

Come along and tap your feet to the African rhythm of the marimbas on 5-8 July from 1.15 to 2pm in the cathedral.

For further details of Spiritfest events visit: http://www. grahamstowncathedral. org/ spiritfest/2016

Facebook: facebook.com/ spiritfest.grahamstown