The Lady Day Big Band (LDBB) had a vision to empower girls and young women musically, but because of the pandemic, they’ve had to play it by ear.
The all-women band had started the Schools Outreach Project, which was set to kick off in March this year. But when lockdown came into effect, the programme had to be suspended.
However, the ladies adapted to the new normal and went digital.
They decided to film their project, which is set to launch in December.
Lana Crowster, founder of the LDBB, told the Daily Voice that the Schools Outreach Project will consist of a programme of video tutorials and live performances.
“It’s aimed at encouraging and inspiring women and girls to step into the musical domain by exploring their talents playing the trombone, saxophone and trumpet, among other instruments,” says Lana.
“The project hopes to inspire the youth to consider a career as instrumentalists.”
The Lady Day Big Band is a 20-piece, all-women big band.
“Many of our members are music educators in addition to being exceptional musicians.
"The tutorial videos feature Kelly Bell (trombone), Amanda Tiffin (conducting), Claire Rontsch (saxophone), Tracey Johannes, Annemie Nel (drums and electric bass), Hayley Joorst and Christin Rohl (trumpets) and myself (vocals and band leading),” says Lana.
“I have always dreamed of starting a big band that would provide a platform for professional women musicians to showcase their talents in a safe space.
“This project is also about inspiring girls and young women who may have a passion for music.
“I want them to see us doing what we love, doing it well and in professional spaces, and see our successes as aspirational.”
Any interested music teachers or music schools can contact Lana to receive free access to these videos at contact@crowsnestproductions.info.
venecia.america@inl.co.za