The Alexandra Music Education Centre was launched on 12 April 1997 by Mr Lionel Mtshali, then the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. In his speech, the minister commended SAMET for its initiative in introducing music education to Alexandra township in consultation with the community.

This music centre has become a highly valued initiative for the people of Alexandra and is providing the students with the opportunity to perform and the possibility of a career in the burgeoning music industry in South Africa.

In 2009, 108 learners were registered for violin, viola, cello, double bass, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, recorder, clarinet, fl ute, theory of music and guitar. African instruments were introduced at the beginning of 2010, and tuition is offered in marimba, akadinda. mbira, uhadi, umrube, kudu horns and pan pipes. The learners are recruited form Alexandra, Soweto, Tembisa, Vosloorus and Orange Farm. These are some of the poorest communities in South Africa.

During 2009, public performances were presented on 21 March, 20 June, 20 September and 5 December. Regular workshops were also presented by members of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, assisting learners with some of the technical and musical challenges encountered in the classroom. Learners sit for UNISA-graded examinations at the end of each year. This centre has employed 11 teachers on a part-time basis.

The year 2009 saw 105 learners enrolled at the school. The compulsory disciplines included instrument study, music theory, group music-making in various ensembles, and the project orchestra. Teaching is provided by qualifi ed staff comprised of practising musicians, led by Mr Ronnie Samaai, who is our Western Cape Project Leader.

The project also played host to a visiting choir from Norway, who not only performed a programme of choral music, but also made a donation of violins to the project. Similarly, Ms Karin Leaner, whose is a fl autist from Vienna, gave master classes at the school.

Some of the learners from this project were selected to visit and to take part in the Valdres Sommersinfonie in Norway. Noliswi Monica Dadase, Kaylin Levendal and Tarryn Phillander gave a very good account of themselves.In addition to receiving master classes, they also formed part of the symphony orchestra.

Some of the learners also participated at the annual SAMET music camp, culminating in concerts at the ZK Matthews Hall, UNISA, in Pretoria. Learners have also started performing at various community events around the Western Cape, and are gaining the necessary experience of public performance.

This annual event, as always, featured the National Training Academy Orchestra of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, joined by learners from SAMET’s music centres.

The concert, held on 4 October 2009 at UNISA’s ZK Matthews Hall, was preceded by a camp, where intense training was offered by professional musicians. We are most fortunate to have had Tobie Cronjé presenting the narration to the ‘Carnival of the Animals’ by Camille Saint-Saëns. Mr Cronjé generously gave of his time and talent, and performed pro bono. It was, indeed, a rare privilege for our students to share the stage with such a seasoned performer.

The world premiere of Academy Orchestra member Wesley Wolhuter’s cello concerto, played by his teacher and JPO member, Wessel Beukes, was another highlight of the afternoon. The rest of the programme was challenging, with a spirited performance of the Beethoven 1st symphony.

The fourth annual youth concerto festival was successfully held on 27 September 2009 with nine soloists selected from around South Africa.

The following young musicians performed their concertos with the JPO:
• George Ntuli (violin) Soweto
• Ilke Alexander (flute) Johannesburg
• Samantha van Gysen (flute) Cape Town
• Micha Favis (cello) Johannesburg
• Danyal Swan (piano) Pretoria
• Milica Conkic (flute) Johannesburg
• Abel Selaocoe (cello) Johannesburg
• Nadine Roussopoulos (violin) Cape Town
• Sophia Wu (piano) Pretoria

On Sunday 29 November 2009, we ended our year’s activities with a very successful end-of-year concert, not only in terms of quality of the projectlearners’ performance but also the audience attendance. The whole event was a most memorable and inspiring experience.

Smaller ensembles performed at corporate functions arranged by Redefine Properties and Canal Walk. It is also very heartening to report that Lulamele Mayongo and Siyanda Somdyala attended the SAMET orchestra camp in Johannesburg during September/October.

We look forward to a very exciting year ahead, with more performance opportunities during the Soccer World Cup, and to also add to the number of learners that sit for the practical and theory graded music examinations.