The aim of the WMF Marimba Project is to target the youth in our community and promote an awareness of music – be it classical or traditional. It is a proven fact that children who study music tend to have a larger vocabulary and more advanced reading skills. Children with learning disabilities, dyslexia and speech problems benefit greatly from music lessons. Learners who participate in music at school have lower instances of substance abuse such as tobacco, alcohol and glue.
Charity (Nonhlanhla Nsibande) is the Band leader responsible for the Training and mentoring in Wakkerstroom and received the first set of Marimba’s. The Wakkerstroom Band practices every Saturday at the Beehive, they are dedicated and committed and this shows clearly in their performances.
The WMF Marimba Project were very fortunate to receive a Lotto Grant and have since purchased their second set of Marimba’s which are located at Country College in Volksrust. Tammy le Roux is the Band Leader in Volksrust and has been involved with training since the implementation of the project in August 2016, so we are very excited for her to get going on her own set of Marimba’s.
Numerous training sessions are planned throughout the year, one in October and one in December to help improve the skills of both the teachers and students. All those involved in the WMF Marimba Project are volunteers, giving of their time and skills freely to the community and without them the project would not succeed. We are always looking for new teachers and if anyone is interested please contact Lizzy or Sylvie.
The latest outing was a trip to Boksburg to attend an International Marimba and Steelpan festival on Saturday 29 July 2017 and these pictures were taken by Geraldine Castleman.
The NLC relies on funds from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of NLC funding is to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organizations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organizations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development