Wynberg Secondary School’s big band is set to make their debut at the iconic Cape Town International Jazz Festival Free Community Concert in March.
The young musos will be sharing the stage with some of the greatest names in jazz at Africa’s Grandest Gathering.
The high school pupils will perform as part of the CTIJF’s Sustainable Training & Development programme.
Wynberg Secondary, along with seven other schools, took part in the programme, where one school is selected to take part in the prestigious jazz festival.
The bands were judged on their choice of songs, arrangements, performance delivery, stage presence and the way they conducted themselves at the four-week long workshop.
Craig Parks, the Head of Training & Development, says: “There were eight schools who participated in the CTIJF Schools Music & Career programme.
“Each school has to complete assignments, attend all workshops, rehearsals and most importantly, they need to work together as a group as great musicians and performers.
“We have a panel of assessors which include a music director, teacher and CTIJF representative.”
Other schools that took part of the programme were Worcester High, Alexander Sinton High, Cedar High, Groote Schuur High, Paarl Valley High, IMAD and Settlers High.
Craig says many of these laaities could end up in the music industry with some even getting work at the jazz festival.
“EspAfrika also has many other events - we always recruit the musicians (as first choice) who were part of our programme to perform at our events.
“Then because they are considered as professional musicians, they get paid as well as other musicians we engage for gigs.”
Wynberg Secondary’s band has 11 members and Craig says: “We’re very proud of these young musicians.
PROUD: Craig Parks
“They have shown outstanding dedication to the programme and have grown immensely under the mentorship of our facilitator Lana Crowster.
“We look forward to seeing these young musicians taking to the stage as performers at future festivals.”
The school’s music teacher, Celeste Moses-Toefy, said the band was honoured and has a few other kwaai gigs lined up for the year, including the Grahamstown Jazz Festival.
JAZZY VIBES: Free concert at Greenmarket Square, CBD
Band members are now raising funds for much-needed instruments.
The CTIJF’s Free Community Concert takes place on Greenmarket Square on 25 March, and the festival on 27 and 28 March.
venecia.america@inl.co.za