September 27, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
YOUNG cellist Thapelo Masita moves his left hand nimbly from string to string, while maintaing an intricate rhythm with his bow.
Then the conductor brings the music to a halt to discuss what is expected from the group of musicians in the class with Masita. With a clap of his hands the music starts once more.
Masita, at the front of the cello class, has been playing the three quarter cello for only 12 months. "I like this music because it is more challenging," he says, adding that it drives him more than any other form of music that youngsters of his age are exposed to.
The enthusiastic 12-year-old is one of 65 classical music students from orchestra institutions in the North West, Gauteng, Free State and the Western Cape, who are taking part in the week-long South African Music Education Trust's (SAMET) annual music camp in Gauteng.
Students rehearsing for the ''Night of Excellence'' concert which takes place on Friday
The camp opened at the Wits Education Campus in Parktown on Monday, 25 September and will end on Friday, 29 September.
Born in 1994 with the idea of building orchestras in the townships, SAMET has grown to include national projects which focus on grassroots music education and development of projects and administration skills within the disadvantaged communities of South Africa.
According to Themba Kambule, project co-ordinator for 2006 SAMET "Night Of Excellence", the camp aims to teach music in all forms.
This includes addressing key areas of teacher upgrading, musical literacy, and education and performance enhancement to create opportunities within the music profession.
"As artists we need to take our craft seriously," explained Kambule, against the backdrop of vibrating cellos, whistling flutes and high-pitched violins at the Willams Block at Wits.
Though he also harbours dreams of being a health surgeon, Masita says he is happy to be in the programme and entertains the hope of being a good cellist one day.
The annual music camp forms part of preparations for the Gala Concert of the Mozart 40th Symphony on Friday, 29 September.
Entitled the "Night Of Excellence", the concert will see youngsters like Masita displaying their talent to the rest of Jozi and will feature the SAMET Youth Ochestra.
"We see ourselves as national ambassadors of music," says Kambule.
The "Night Of Excellence" takes place from 7pm at the Linder Auditorium and will be conducted by Ludumo Magangane.
Tickets cost R80 and can be obtained at the door or at Computicket outlets.
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