[BUSKAID: Helping Young Black Musicians in South African Townships]
In December 2007 AfriClassical wrote of an Atlanta group whose name is a reference to William Grant Still: "Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia & Dance Company Tours Ghana, Togo & Benin". Its website is http://www.stillwatersyouthsinfo-nia.org The Director is David E. Robinson, III, who recently sent us this message: “I always want to mention that there is an outstanding orchestra music program in Soweto, South Africa called the Buskaid Soweto String Project. It is under the direction of British viola player, Rosemary Nalden. I have all of their CDs. They are fantastic. My goal is to have my youth orchestra (Still Waters Youth Sinfo-Nia of Metropolitan Atlanta Orchestra and Dance Company) meet up with them on our proposed trip to South Africa in June 2009. In putting this trip together, I will call on other young musicians from the U.S. to be a part of this tour. Here is their website: http://buskaid.org.za/ By all means, when you get time and space in your publication (maybe the fall is a good time), please do a story on this outstanding group. Sincerely, David E. Robinson, III”
Last year, Mike Wright reviewed the performance of the Buskaid Soweto String Project at the Prom Concerts for AfriClassical in a post entitled “Congratulations to All Performers at Prom Concert on 15 July 2007”: “This is where I move on to the Buskaid Soweto Ensemble which I have been aware of for some time now from CD recordings published. They are so frighteningly good that they could put many established string bands into the shade.” Buskaid's website says the group's mission is: (1) “To give children from impoverished backgrounds in the townships of South Africa the opportunity to learn classical stringed instruments to the highest possible standards.” (2) “To encourage the most talented of these students to form their own professional orchestra, unique for its playing style and repertoire.” (3) “To train a select number of its students to become professional string teachers.” (4) “To set up and staff its own instrument repair workshop, offering employment opportunities to local youth, with the secondary aim of producing Buskaid's own hand-made violins, violas and cellos.”
Buskaid Soweto String ProjectBlack Musicians in Townships
Learning Classical Stringed Instruments
Unique Style and Repertoire
Training Professional String Teachers
Instrument Manufacture and Repair
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