Birchleigh field band hosts Norwegian music students for cultural exchange

The Field Band Foundation (FBF) once again welcomed students and a professor from the Norwegian Academy of Music as part of an ongoing cultural exchange programme.

On February 24, FBF bands gathered at Hoërskool Birchleigh for the second day of the exchange programme, where the visiting students led the day’s practice sessions.

This marks the fourth year that the Norwegian Academy of Music has visited South Africa with the aim of sharing and learning about different musical traditions while exploring how music can be used to express culture.

The first day of the programme, held on February 23, saw FBF members introducing the visitors to South African musical styles and performance traditions.

Professor John Vinge from the Norwegian Academy of Music said he brings students who are training to become professional musicians and music teachers, and the trip forms part of their practical training.

“The students have a lot of practical work during their studies, such as teaching in schools, choirs and rock bands. This visit to South Africa is also part of their practical experience,” he said.

“We do this for several reasons. One is South Africa’s rich musical culture and history, which has always fascinated music educators.

“South African music is often very integrated with movement. You sing, you dance, and the music becomes part of bodily expression. That is something we want to learn from.”

Vinge added that the programme also helps students gain experience in working with people from different cultural backgrounds.

“Our students train to meet people from different cultures and learn how to communicate through music, both as teachers and learners. This is a good starting point for them.

“This is the fourth time we have been here. On the first day, the Field Band members took responsibility for the teaching while we joined and learned from them.

“On the second day we switch roles, and our students lead the teaching together with the field band tutors,” he said.

During the sessions, FBF members were divided into groups by instrument, while the dancers held separate practice sessions.

The Norwegian students led the groups, sharing aspects of their own musical culture while also learning from the South African participants.

Norwegian Academy of Music master’s student Sigrid Synøve Nordby said the visit had been an eye-opening experience.

“South Africa is beautiful in a very different way from Norway, and the people here are very friendly. Norwegians are quite shy, so at first it felt unfamiliar, but once you get used to it, it feels great,” she said.

“The students we met on Monday were quite young, but they are filled with joy and excitement. It is clear that they love being here.

“Before coming here, I thought South Africans might be similar to Norwegians, quite shy and maybe a bit reserved, but I haven’t experienced that at all.”

For Birchleigh Field Band members, the exchange provides an opportunity to broaden their understanding of music and cultural diversity.

Birchleigh Field Band member Tshegofatso Mokoena said the experience had been exciting.

“Having exchange members and new people joining the band helps us understand different cultures and learn from one another,” Mokoena said.

“I am hoping to learn more about Norwegian culture by the end of this exchange, to understand what it is like to come from a different background and to mix with other people. I also hope to make great memories from this experience.”

While many participants expressed themselves through musical instruments, others used dance as their medium.

The exchange programme also plays an important role in the dancers’ development, highlighting the close relationship between music and movement.

Birchleigh Field Band dance tutor Kagisho Poo said the programme focuses not only on music but also on teaching approaches and teamwork.

“The main reason for this gathering is to exchange knowledge about the different teaching styles and methods used in both South Africa and the Norwegian Academy of Music,” Poo said.

“It also helps us understand how to keep young members engaged even before the sessions begin. Life skills and teamwork remain very important aspects before the music itself because they help unite us emotionally and socially.

“This programme is an important part of the journey for field band members as it helps build unity through music.”