Pupils star in international marimba fest.
EAST London schools firmly placed the city on the country’s marimba map following outstanding performances at an international festival at the weekend.
Merrifield Preparatory and College, George Randall Primary and High School, Grens Hoerskool and Aqua Vista Primary School all took part in the third International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in Johannesburg.
Organised by Education Africa, the festival saw more than 100 different bands with about 220 performers from around the country and world take part, said Merrifield music teacher Ann McLaren.
International adjudicators including renowned steelpan player Andy Warral from USA, were also at the festival.
McLaren said there were 18 categories in which bands could compete.
“We participated in seven categories. We came first in three and second in one category and our wins were across the full board – one in primary, one in high and one in open ensemble,” said McLaren.
She said prizes varied as trophies were awarded as well as instruments to some category winners.
George Randall music teacher Verushka Packery said the effort and hard work put in by parents, teachers and pupils made the experience extra special.
The school participated in three categories and finished second in two.
“We raised R50 000 to send the children on this trip which meant that parents only had to pay a small fee,” said Packery.
As first time entrants, Packery said she was proud of their achievements.
Grens Hoerskool’s music teacher Reynette Terff said all the East London schools were impressive and she was proud of all of them.
“We took part in four categories and we were first place in the classical section and came third in another category,” said Terff.
Aqua Vista’s music teacher Andelene Ross said their band of 18 children participated in four categories and were placed second in one.
“We have been attending the festival since it started and every year the standard gets better. So our challenge for next year is to improve our bands, but they played beautifully and I am proud,” said Ross.
The marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones.
Resonators attached to the bars amplify their sound and online site, The Marimba Workshop, states that together with a variety of percussion instruments, a marimba band can play anything from traditional African music to township jazz, pop and even classical music. —
EL schools beat own rhythm
EAST London schools firmly placed the city on the country’s marimba map following outstanding performances at an international festival at the weekend.
Merrifield Preparatory and College, George Randall Primary and High School, Grens Hoerskool and Aqua Vista Primary School all took part in the third International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in Johannesburg.
Organised by Education Africa, the festival saw more than 100 different bands with about 220 performers from around the country and world take part, said Merrifield music teacher Ann McLaren.
International adjudicators including renowned steelpan player Andy Warral from USA, were also at the festival.
McLaren said there were 18 categories in which bands could compete.
“We participated in seven categories. We came first in three and second in one category and our wins were across the full board – one in primary, one in high and one in open ensemble,” said McLaren.
She said prizes varied as trophies were awarded as well as instruments to some category winners.
George Randall music teacher Verushka Packery said the effort and hard work put in by parents, teachers and pupils made the experience extra special.
The school participated in three categories and finished second in two.
“We raised R50 000 to send the children on this trip which meant that parents only had to pay a small fee,” said Packery.
As first time entrants, Packery said she was proud of their achievements.
Grens Hoerskool’s music teacher Reynette Terff said all the East London schools were impressive and she was proud of all of them.
“We took part in four categories and we were first place in the classical section and came third in another category,” said Terff.
Aqua Vista’s music teacher Andelene Ross said their band of 18 children participated in four categories and were placed second in one.
“We have been attending the festival since it started and every year the standard gets better. So our challenge for next year is to improve our bands, but they played beautifully and I am proud,” said Ross.
The marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones.
Resonators attached to the bars amplify their sound and online site, The Marimba Workshop, states that together with a variety of percussion instruments, a marimba band can play anything from traditional African music to township jazz, pop and even classical music. —
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