Birchleigh drumline on melodies

Inclusivity in extramural activities was taken to another level at Hoërskool Birchleigh.

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Through the Field Band Foundation (FBF), learners at the school are allowed to partake in a musical programme to keep them off the streets after school.

The learners are introduced to various musical instruments and just about four weeks into the programme have fallen in love with the activities.

FBF is an NPC that aims to foster holistic development targeting various economic and social issues faced by South African youth.

They utilise arts (in the form of marching bands) as a catalyst to stimulate an empowered, self-confident and healthy community of band members and staff alike.

According to Rencia Lourens, deputy principal at the school, the school found out about the foundation through Lizanda Joshua, who is a community activist.

“I am involved in a lot of community work including community safety and development. I am the community liaison officer for FBF and introduced the foundation to the school,” said Joshua.

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Thulani Dupa, project officer for the Birchleigh programme, said that the attendance from the first day to date was promising.

“The introduction and recruitment of the programme were held on May 11 and five days later we began with the first rehearsal,” said Dupa.

“The commitment and dedication of the learners are impressive as they have managed to learn three songs in just eight practices. The turnout of learners involved is also motivating and shows there is a growing interest.”

Hoërskool Birchleigh deputy principal for discipline, Rencia Lourens, mentioned how the programme has changed the learners’ attitude and development.

She is impressed at the behavioural change of the learners and views the growing attendance as a reflection of something good.

“Not only are the learners having fun but they are taught discipline.

“After practice, the learners help to pack up the instruments and I’m happy about the relationship that the learners have developed with the instructors,” said Lourens.

Dupa said not only does the FBF instil discipline but also teaches them life skills.

“When you look at the learners you can tell that they have grasped the concept of teamwork and collaboration.

“You also witness the increased confidence among learners when they get to hear the final product of them playing together. It’s just a beautiful synergy,” said Dupa.

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Dupa joined FBF in 2002 and said it has been an amazing journey.

Seventeen-year-old bass drum player Aluta Duma said she would recommend the band to other schools as it is another way to have fun.

The prefect at the local school also said beating the drum and being a part of the band was a way to release stress.

“Being part of the band is so much fun because you get to learn new instruments and our instructors are very flexible in that they have different ways of teaching.

“It’s also motivating because our instructors are very understanding when we need study leave,” said Duma.

The programme includes the learning of dancing, the trombone, brass drums, trumpet, tuba and pit percussion among others.

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Ward 15 Clr Amanda Davison said she is very happy that more learners can get involved in something that develops and entertains learners.

“I am emotional about this project as we have a problem with children exposed to bad things on the streets such as drugs,” said Davison.

“Such extramural activities give the learners a sense of belonging.

“It’s just sad that the FBF contract is just three months because their investment has remained unmatched.

“We hope the school will be able to receive sponsorships to keep the programme running,” she said.

Joshua managed to secure an anonymous sponsorship that covers the three-month contract.

To donate towards the project or for more information contact the school on 011 972 5415.

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