In November last year, Alexandra Field Band members held a captivating parade in Alexandra, proudly displaying the trophies they had won at the Field Band Foundation’s national championships.

From street to street, spectators shared their joy and pride, cheering as the band marched past their homes with shining trophies in hand.

It is that sense of pride that now compels the township band to dream even bigger this year. The band’s programmes officer, Phumzile Twala, said they are aiming for the first-place trophy.

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“That will mean a lot for the members and the community. The last time we won this was in 2017. We also want to win more trophies and reclaim our number one sports squad trophy.”

To achieve their dream, however, and to make Alexandra proud once more, they need the community’s help. Ahead of the much-anticipated national championships in October, the band always takes its youngsters on a week-long camp, where the magic happens.

There, the youngsters focus specifically on honing their skills for the competition, away from the daily distractions of life in Alexandra. “It serves as a time to polish what they have been practicing throughout the year, fine-tuning the music and the dance performances.” However, they depend on the community’s support to make this crucial camp possible.

Twala said, this year they will be hosting a family fun, colour-run event on June 16 at Skeen Primary School, where participants can spend R150 to get a race pack, including caps, t-shirts, wristbands, race numbers, and colours.

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While the event itself will be fun for many families, as it has been in the past, the contributions will form part of the band’s early fundraising initiatives to raise enough funds for the October camp. “When we get support from the community, it helps us ensure that the members are fed and well hydrated. Food donations are needed.”

Last year, when they performed at the Wanderers Stadium, scores of parents watched in awe as their children danced and blew trumpets on stage.

According to Twala, their remarkable performance could be attributed to the support they received. “It has helped us a lot in securing all the past trophies that we won.”

The band’s consistent success at the national championships is proof that, in Alexandra, even with its challenges, there is talent, and hope.

This year, the Alexandra Field Band intends to make that even clearer, with your support.

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