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

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www.playingforchange.org

Ntonga Music School LIVE

Ntonga Music School held its first LIVE broadcast last Wednesday, November 17th! Using VSee technology, the Ntonga Music Ensemble connected to the Playing for Change Foundations Band, live in Boston, America. The connection was broadcast on the web bringing in over 700 international viewers. For teachers and Ntonga committee members alike, this was a rare and exciting opportunity to interact with youth in America. The hour long broadcast included a conversation with the Playing for Change Foundations (PFCF) band member, Titi Tsira, from Guguletu, followed by a question and answer session between youth in Boston and youth at Ntonga. The PFCF Band then performed for Ntonga Youth followed by two numbers from the Ntonga Music Schools boys and girls ensemble. The final number included PFCF Band and Ntonga Music School Ensemble performing "Stand by Me," together.

This hour long broadcast offered youth of Ntonga and the surrounding community an opportunity to have a dialogue with youth from another part of the world. For township youth, the media is their primary connection to America. This one way connection can be deceptive. The LIVE broadcast gave Ntonga youth and youth in Boston the opportunity to interact with each other and realize their shared dreams and goals.

For those unable to see the LIVE Broadcast, a recording will be available shortly.

More soon, Guguletu

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

Ntonga Encourages New Chapters in the Lives of Youth

In preparing for the live VSee broadcast to the United States scheduled for this coming Wednesday, members of the Ntonga Music School Ensemble have met several evenings this week to rehearse. It is exciting to witness them learn new musical phrasing, rhythms, harmonies and have FUN! Dave Robain, the saxophone and flute teacher, with the assistance of Sticks and Pokie, dedicates his time to organize, inspire, encourage and support the youth involved in the girls and boys
ensemble. As their sound improves, the youth can feel new possibilities for writing a different chapter in their lives.

Before the ensemble met yesterday afternoon, Dave had an informal conversation with the teenagers about some other tough topics; the issues of HIV or AIDS, relationships, sex and love. Conversations of this nature are important for any youth group, but with the HIV or AIDS rate in South Africa, these conversations are essential for the possibility of writing a different history for the current generation of South African youth. Many youth engaged in the conversation felt the government, unfortunately, encourages sex. In South Africa,"you can live for decades with the disease if you can afford the medication," one student said. For another teenager, born and raised in Uganda, his understanding of HIV or AIDS is very different. Most victims die within a month, as the cost of medication leaves them to suffer without an alternative for treatment.

When Dave asked, "do you guys know your 'status' and has anyone seen an AIDS victim in their last days?" A few students nodded. That visual experience can be a startling awakening. In South Africa, like the United States (medication is provided to keep those infected with HIV or AIDS alive for a longer time.) Medication enables residents living with HIV or AIDS to live a relatively normal life in South Africa. White tents on Saturday afternoons are the only indication of the number of township residents dying from the potent disease. White tents are used on Saturday's to house funerals. The student from Uganda reminded other students, "when I came from Uganda in 2004, white tents were on almost every street in the township on Saturday afternoons." Because South Africans living with HIV or AIDS can keep their life relatively normal, the social and physical cost of the disease remains relatively unnoticed. Without exposure, youth don’t realize the seriousness of HIV or AIDS.

One effective means of teaching is bringing youth to a clinic to witness the real physical effect of AIDS. Dave tours the world. "Before each tour I am tested." My life depends on remaining HIV negative. For Ntonga youth, they must understand the serious consequence of HIV or AIDS. Some may go on to travel the world. However, living in the HIV or AIDS capital is of great risk to their dreams and goals.

What young adults need is someone willing to discuss the topic of safe sex. One youth noted, "I was lucky to have a friend who told me I don’t need to do it to be cool." The youth were very engaged throughout the conversation. Dave reminded the youth to respect and care for one another. He stated, "I was fortunate to receive love and encouragement from my parents." Not all youth are that fortunate, he reminded the group. "Be kind to one another, be there for one another, encourage each other. Change the way people see you and begin to think independently." Lastly, he reminded all young men to treat women right. He told them his perceptions of women. Women must deal with many challenges; menstruation, childbirth, keeping the family together, and sometimes, physical abuse. Women are the pillars of society. They shape us, we must cherish, respect and appreciate them.

By opening this conversation, youth received the support to think for themselves and consider their own behavior. These ideas will influence the next chapter of their and South African history. Those willing to reflect and question the system are able to truly understand a new element of freedom.


More soon, Guguletu

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

"Man in the Mirror"

The life skills course opened this Saturday with two questions: "What does life skills mean to you and what knowledge do you seek from this course?" Facilitated by Sam Pono and I,this course aims to attract teenagers vulnerable to the allures of street life. While some are not students at Ntonga, this course serves to educate and support youth in making good life choices.

In speaking with teenagers we create a space for dialogue. Their definitions of life skills included "how you see yourself," "how you behave," and "skills to guide how a human handles him/herself." Each teen shared.

Pokie said, "Be self, know self, respect self." This seemed like an important declaration. As the founder, Pokie sets the example for all who enter and study at Ntonga. His participation enables him to engage with and teach the youth.

In asking what each student sought from the course, Thembele, currently studying saxophone answered, "learn discipline, learn more and know more," while Xolisa, a fourteen year old boy unable to attend weekly lessons at Ntonga said, "I want to learn more about music because I love music." Mphumzi, an exuberant drummer, answered, "I want to play like others to give to others," and Prince, a current bass student at Ntonga, expressed his desire to learn how to better behave himself.

Their participation during this session was encouraging. While only the first time for several, they jumped in, sharing their thoughts freely and engaging in conversation with their peers.

Most rewarding was ending the session with a song and “take home” message from "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. Magadien, who spoke two weeks earlier, recommended as a music school we use music to teach the life skills course. This song speaks about personal challenges and calls each individual to make change their responsibility. Like Gandhi's words "Be the change you wish to see in the world," "Man in the Mirror" reminded the group to look in the mirror for the change they seek.

After playing this song, I asked the students to share what they felt or thought while listening. I asked "whose the man in the mirror?" Khanyisa, a seventeen year old girl who studies piano and recently took up drums responsded, its you! "We must make the change we seek." The group nodded. I reminded them that they are responsible for their own happiness and they must take responsibility to make changes in their own lives, not waiting for others or substances to become a "fix."

More soon, Guguletu

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

New Organizational Promise

Building a music school in the heart of a township in post-apartheid South Africa is inspiring. More importantly, it promises a new future for those willing to dream.

Conducting research on the legacy of apartheid in South Africa did not adequately prepare me for the lifestyle of people in the township. Newspaper articles analyzing social and physical limitations for residents’ were merely a glimpse of reality. As the eleventh largest slum globally, the Cape Flats is 15km from a wealthy city. The stark contrast is shameful.

This was my belief when I boarded a flight to South Africa July 20th, 2010. Today, three months later, the reality of township lifestyle and way of thinking forces me to write a new chapter. As a community organizer at Ntonga Music School in Guguletu, I must learn to collaborate with a different set of beliefs and values. While challenging, I have learned more in three months than all of my earlier studies and living.

To my excitement, I took part in a successful committee and teachers meetings this past week at Ntonga Music School. Both encouraged communication and solidarity building. The meetings made clear the aim and intention of the school.

At the end of the day, it is about the kids.

Working at Ntonga involves a steep learning curve for me. While there is much progress; productive meetings, increase in student numbers, the formation of a youth ensemble and venues for getting the youth performance opportunities outside the township, the school still lacks the necessary organization to run smoothly day to day.

Dave Robain, the saxophone and flute teacher, offers new organizational promise for the school. He was elected by the Ntonga Music School Committee as head of Music and facilitator for teachers meetings. This past Thursday, Ntonga Music teachers met and agreed more organization and discipline is key to the schools continued progress. Friday, these agreements went into action. Each lesson time was designated to a specific private room, students not studying were guided away from disturbing those receiving instruction, and teachers were checked for promptness. Following ensemble rehearsal from 4-5:30p.m., Dave and I, with the support of David, Pokie and Sticks, spoke to the youth about the new plan. Starting Monday, a notice board located in the main room at the school will clearly indicate what music classes are occurring on that day and where the classes will be taking place. As a team, we expect students to be ON time to their lessons and sign a registration form to show their attendance. This new organizational collaboration is a breakthrough! Together our teachers, board members, volunteers, and students better understand their roles in helping the school run more smoothly

Stay tuned, Ntonga Music School.

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

The Power of Choice

Magadien Wentzel is a celebrity in Manenberg Township today. Yet things were not always this way. His story is one of spiritual and psychological transformation. Born during apartheid and given away at birth, he became a gangster.

This past Saturday he came to the life skills course at the Ntonga Music School to educate the youth about making choices. Raised in District Six, a mixed race suburb outside Cape Town, as a youth, the gun was all he knew. Outraged by the white man and apartheid regime at age 20, he CHOSE the life of a gangster becoming a member of the 28's Gang. He became one of the most powerful and feared gang leaders in South Africa. In August 1999, a tornado on the Cape Flats destroyed his home but spared his son. This moment changed his mindset. He realized God was watching over him giving him a second chance in life. He chose to leave the 28's Gang and give up everything, including his wife who left him for another 28's Gang member.

His intention at Ntonga Music School on Saturday was to support and educate youth to make the right life choices.

He told the Ntonga Youth that everyone has the right to make their own choices. The stick you wielded yesterday will be a gun today and a prison cell tomorrow. "I chose prison, a 25 year sentence. The truth is, jail is a waste of time." Unfortunately many people dont know what they want, and make the wrong choices. He then asked certain students "who are you and what do you want?" These questions invited the students to think and reflect for themselves.


He believes the key to life is knowing oneself and having love and respect for the self. A person with self respect will gain love and respect from others. When speaking to youth he asks questions to encourage youth to take responsibility for their lives and define for themselves right from wrong. Following his release from prison in 2003, some wanted him dead. His commitment to projects like Fatherhood Project, has granted him respect within his community. Today he is committed to supporting youth in turning their lives around. Using his life as an example, he advises youth seeking guidance, to find an alternative to guns and drugs.

The Ntonga Music School hopes to collaborate with Magadien in equipping Ntonga Youth and the course facilitators with skills to expand and enhance teaching. Educating youth educates a community and empowers the next generation of South Africans.

More to come, stay tuned.

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

New Ensembles and Parental Support at Ntonga

Working with and teaching youth at Ntonga Music School has been one of the most inspiring and rewarding life opportunities. Coming to work in a township after graduating from college has offered a completely new perspective on life. It has both redefined my way of looking at the world and my own goals and ambitions.

Last Monday, the Ntonga Music School Committee and teachers held their second meeting. It was valuable to have teachers share what they see working and where improvements are necessary at the school. Space and privacy for individual lessons remain an immediate challenge. While class organization and assessing student progress has yet to fall in place, Dave Robain, a hard working organized teacher, is spearheading a teachers meeting to address these issues directly. This way teachers are encouraged and trusting in resolving current challenges.

The formation of an ensemble two weeks back has given wings to students and new energy to the entire school. Organized by Dave, and Pokie, the ensemble meets Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons encouraging students to collaborate and find their sound in an ensemble. The youngest member, Mphumzi, age ten, plays percussion with energy! Luyanda, a fourteen year old trumpet student, has found his sound and surprises himself each rehearsal with his ability to improvise. This ensemble gives all involved new confidence and invites youth to admire and draw inspiration from their peers.

Last Saturday, October 16th, the ensemble participated in Africa Day in Stellenbosch. The Ntonga Music Ensemble performed on a stage in an amphitheater. The ensemble made Ntonga proud! Performing four songs, the audience of youth and adults were enthused and entertained by their energetic sound. Most importantly, the ensemble members had a blast and asked during the drive back to Guguletu, "when is our next performance?!"

Monday was a parents meeting. Five parents showed at 6pm. Each member of the Ntonga Music School Committee and the teachers who were present spoke to the parents. We told them this school seeks to give youth an alternative to the allures of the streets. The meeting served to clarify this school is a safe space where their children can come and learn an instrument of their choice and get the opportunity to study with great musicians. We also called on them to encourage their child's attendance and be involved in the school in a way that works for them. Each parent responded with appreciation, understanding and gratitude. We hope to have frequent meetings to connect with the parents. This will help make our school a sustainable community space producing a future of talented, confident individuals that can serve as role models for their community.

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