by James Collins
The championships were seriously amazing. Nearly 2000 kids came from all over South Africa to partake in two days of creative events and competition. For most, it was the farthest they had ever traveled and, for some, the first time they had ever left home. There was a prescribed piece competition where each band had to perform the same piece for the judges. There were solo and ensemble competitions as well, where dancers and musicians could compete in categories ranging from solo marimba, to ensemble dance and drumline. Then there was the main event: each band had to put on a 12-minute show to compete for top honors in one of two divisions; the “baby bands”, which were established less than two years ago, and the veteran bands which have been around for two or more years.
It’s hard to describe the amount of hope and enthusiasm that could be felt throughout the competition. It got me feeling very excited about my prospects for this year. The amount of improvement these kids have made was palpable. Even though I had never met any of them before, I could tell that each and every one of them has benefited enormously from their participation in the Field Band Foundation. You can see it in their smiles and in the passion they have for what they are doing. I visited one of the townships outside of Johannesburg a few days before the championships, so I had an idea of the kinds conditions in which many of them have grown up. They haven’t had easy lives, but you can see how music, life skills education and working together as a group have brought them new hope.
Take a look at my photos from the event. I’m also working on a video that should be ready in a few days.
Some musicians make their way to the competition field at Turffontein Racecourse, just south of central Johannesburg.
Hundreds of band members gather in the form of a “10” to play “Happy Birthday” in celebration of the Field Band Foundation’s 10th anniversary.
The Dobsonville band awaits their turn in the prescribed piece competition.
Dancers from the Musina field band line up before their performance.
The newly formed Alexandra field band in their premiere performance at the National Championships.
The Daveyton band marches off the field after an exciting show.
The Witbank trumpeters show their stuff.
The Witbank band in their second appearance at the National Championships.
A marimba and steel drum ensemble warm up for their performance in the ensemble competition.
A dance duo performs to the music of their band mates in the dance competition.
RJ, one of the volunteers at the championships, teaches some stick tricks to a boy from the Witbank band.
Some drummers practicing at the end of the day.
One of the drummers from Dobsonville and myself.
Marching with military precision, the Kroonstad South African National Defense Force Band opens the second day of competition. Central Joburg looms in the background.
The East London band puts on a big show.
The East London drummers lift up one of their cymbal players in an impressively choreographed display.
The Cullinan drummers walk toward the field in their “bandit” uniforms.
Ohendsi Morgorotsi conducts his band to impressive results.
The Cullinan band in formation.
The Cullinan brass players hold steady as their dancers run to position.
Founder of the FBF, Bertie Lubner, and chairman, Herman Mashaba, present the Chesterville band an award for best percussion. Retha Cilliers, CEO of the FBF, watches on in the background.
The Chesterville band poses after winning the overall prize for the championships and earning awards in seven different categories.
The Chesterville kids celebrate their victory after a long day of competition.
Click here to email James with your questions or comments
The views and information presented are the Fulbright grantee’s own and do not represent the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State.
