Field band launched to better the lives of young people

Field Band Foundation launched City of Johannesburg (CoJ) 1 Ivory Park Field Band.

Communications and events officer Tsetse Baloyi at the foundation said the Field Band Foundation creates opportunities for the development and self-empowerment of young South Africans through participation in music, dance and active citizenship projects.

“The Field Band Foundation improves the quality of life for disadvantaged young South Africans and gives them an opportunity to build a better future.

“Through music and dance, members take part in positive, joyful and affirming activities that teach them life skills and develop their imagination, team spirit and self-discipline,” Baloyi explained.

Baloyi said their target audience is young people aged between 7 and 21 years in disadvantaged rural and urban areas.

Band members learn to dance and play music in a large field band.

“Interaction between children from different racial, linguistic and cultural groups, and cross-regionally, occurs through regional events and national competitions, and through continuous, custom-made educational interventions.

“The long-term impact goal is to develop empowered, healthy and self-confident young people who can contribute to a vibrant society using music and performance as a medium.

“Field Band Foundation has launched CoJ 1 Ivory Park Field Band on August 18 and will launch CoJ 1 Cosmo Field Band on August 25,” said Baloyi.

Ivory Park Field Band and Cosmo Field Band are projects of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality and the Department of Health and Social Development as part of their strategy to combat drug and alcohol abuse.

Baloyi said the aims of the launch are:

• To officially launch CoJ 1 Ivory Park Field Band and CoJ 1 Cosmo Field Band.

• Promote positive stakeholder engagement while increasing the presence of community stakeholders in band activities.

• Strengthen community ownership of the band.