Union High School, Graaff-Reinet, is very proud to have two vibrant and dynamic marimba bands at the school.
The MARIMBA, a truly African instrument, serves as a wonderful social cohesion tool as it brings learners from all socioeconomic backgrounds together with one main purpose in mind: to make music together.
The beauty of this instrument is that no previous music knowledge is necessary and within a short space of time groups of learners are playing together like seasoned musicians. The instrument sells itself! Every learner exposed to the instrument wants to play, wants to learn!
On Friday and Saturday, 17 and 18 January, Union High School’s Primary Marimba Band participated in a 2-day, fun-filled, workshop aimed at learning new music, improving playing techniques and acquiring simple improvisational skills.
Organised by Mrs Sanette Brink, the workshop stressed the enormous value in practice and saw the band learn five new songs which they will now be able to add to their repertoire.
The band also welcomed two new Grade 5s this year – they are Kwakhanyn Buyiselo en Lutho Baartman.