The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation gives learners music lessons
The flute music workshop is an ongoing curriculum-enhancing programme by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation in Houghton.
Learners of schools in Soweto and Johannesburg joined the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation for an ongoing music workshop.
The workshop was hosted by the foundation’s executive trustee Gugu Motlanthe, at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Training Centre situated in Houghton Estate.
Learners of Forte Secondary School in Soweto and Jules High School in Jeppestown participated in the workshop on August 4.
According to the foundation’s media liaison Lindsay McDonald, the learners participated in flute lessons with professional music teacher Cayley Fitzgerald. This was as part of the foundation’s curriculum-enhancing programmes that offer exposure and hands-on experience to boost potential in a range of educational activities.
“Today, we will make some noise and bring life into these walls,” said Motlanthe. “With a little practice, the fear of playing the flute will soon disappear. We all have to begin somewhere and luckily we don’t need huge talent to have fun and learn.
“But if we serve where we are with all we have got, we may even discover that we have a gift for music. One thing is for sure, we all have an imagination and we can all be teachers, leaders, organisers and win prizes for a talent we never thought we had.”
She reminded the learners that nothing could happen on its own but by one’s force which entailed having good habits, discipline and being intentional about what you want out of life.
“I have heard that learning the flute means learning how to take care of the body, among the many health benefits. The flute promotes good posture, proper and healthy breathing, core strengthening and control, and finger agility.”
She added that the flute was not just an instrument for an orchestra but was used quite frequently in jazz. Motlanthe gave examples of Mango Groove, the South African world-class band and A$AP Rocky, who used the flute in many of their songs, and some of the learners’ peers who enjoyed playing the flute on Tik Tok.
“Even if you are not a performer, the flute is the perfect way to step away from school work to unwind and make music for yourself. The flute will take you places and can even get you a scholarship. It is an immense privilege for me to join you and to be able to pick up and play this amazing instrument today and I hope you will love the experience. Let the music begin.”
Related articles:
WATCH: Former President Kgalema Motlanthe arrives at Killarney Country Club to cast his vote
