Summer Jazz Afternoon

I am excited to announce that the ‘Summer Jazz Afternoon’ at Ntonga Music School, was a great success. The event was a fundraiser for more instruments and other basic needs at the school.

To promote the fundraiser, on Friday, November 26th, the Ntonga Music School had an interview at Bush Radio in Woodstock, a suburb outside Cape Town. Pokie, Phyllis, Sam, David, and the girls and boys ensembles were on air for thirty minutes. Phyllis, Sam, and Pokie shared the story of how Ntonga Music School was founded and the intention behind the school. The interviewer from Bush Radio seemed impressed.

The interviews were followed with three numbers from the student ensembles. The ensembles crammed three trumpets, a bass, piano, Djembe (drum), keyboard and saxophone into the broadcast room performing with enthusiasm and excitement. Pokie closed the broadcast by announcing the Summer Jazz Afternoon at Ntonga.

The Summer Jazz Afternoon on Sunday, November 28th, was a soaring success. Phyllis, the treasurer for Ntonga Music School, was the event MC. She started the event with a prayer, followed by thanking people who have contributed to the school, and providing a brief history of Ntonga Music School. The event started at 2pm (African time), and the first two hours featured Ntonga students. Having students display their progress was monumental. The students had a ball. They showcased several numbers captivating the audience with their talent and passion. Several students performed popular jazz standards including Ntyilo Ntiylo, sung by the popular and recently diseased South African singer, Miriam Makeba. The audience was comprised of Ntonga Music School students, youth, parents, community members, and a few international individuals. Following the Ntonga student performances, guest artists took stage "wowing" all with great jazz solos. The event closed with Pokie and his band performing several numbers.

More than raising funds, the event brought exposure to Ntonga Music School and highlighted the talent and passion of Ntonga Music School students. The enthusiasm, enjoyment, and growing commitment of the students and teachers was evident to all.
Stay tuned, Guguletu

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org