The Alex Field Band praises matrics in the streets
The Alex Field Band hosted a recruitment drive wherethrough they celebrated the accomplishments of the matric Class of 2024.
The Alexandra Field band hosted a recruitment drive in the form of a street parade through the narrow lanes of Alexandra on the first Saturday in the month of love.
The parade began at the Alex Centre on 2nd Avenue, and, in part, celebrated the matriculants of 2024 who passed their exams.
Read more: Alexandra Field Band triumphs with a grand victory parade
The marching band’s programme managing officer Phumzile Twala said this was the performing troupe’s first time celebrating matriculants – an occasion she hopes the band will carry forward in the coming years.
Twala expressed why she believed that the culture of marching field bands still had a role to play in our communities.
“Parading on the streets, doing something that they love, playing music and sending out positive messages is good for them,” said Twala. “It’s important to have campaigns like these to uplift our involved youth so that they believe that they are the future and our leaders of tomorrow.”
According to the field band’s conductor Lesley Kwena, 20 songs had been prepared for the group for the occasion. Among their playlist was the group’s favourite song, Imithandazo, by Kabza De Small.
Also read: Alex Field Band rakes in the awards at annual competition
Kwena, who joined the band in 2009, said members were, on average, aged 7 to 19 and the band usually spent eight hours per week rehearsing for two hours daily.
“This band means a lot to me, this is a good platform for me to try out my music compositions and arrangements, and also an opportunity for me to become a professional composer,” Kwena said.
He expressed how much the field band welcomed the support of their community.
“I always tell them [community] to come to our project because it’s modern and unique. We are more focused on trending music and anyone can relate.”
Send your congratulations to the band on the Alex News Facebook page
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