At the Borderline 6: Teach the teacher

"For more than seven years, the Norges Musikkorps Forbund (NMF) and the Fredskorpset (FK) have supported the Field Band Foundation. The exchange programme that was realised is of great importance to the further development of various field bands in South Africa." Written by Geert Vanmackelberghe. Translation: Hans Kloppert.

"Several children are offered an opportunity to travel to Norway and study there. Also, the Norwegian educators who were sent to South Africa to teach there for the duration of one year, as part of the exhange programme, have also had an enriching experience. The programme has thus worked both ways. Today in part 6 of 'At the Borderline' the leading role is played by the two blonde Norwegian girls who have given their very best for the field bands for the last year. Not just a little chitchat, but an inspiring serious interview.


Teach the teacher

Marit Bakken and Ellen Neverdal are two Norwegian blondes, who have been teaching the field bands for the last nine months, thanks to an exchange programme of the NMF. Marit studied musicology and is hoping to become a teacher of music later. Ellen graduated and was employed as a musical therapist, but interrupted her career to be involved in this project.


How were you recruited?
Ellen read an ad in the magazine of the alliance (Forbund). She grew up in a band but now focuses more on singing. Marit played in the local band and was attracted by the project of development and music. We were selected and were brought together with others who had already worked in South Africa. Their stories inspired us, we connected.

Was it hard to adapt?
First of all we started teaching in Dobsonville (Soweto) near Johanneburg. Even though this is only a half an hour drive from Johannesburg we saw a world of difference. Your world changes, the contrast is immense. Silvelin Havnerik taught in South Africa for two years in the past and assists us with advice from Norway. We can always contact her and ask for advice. There are also two other Norwegians who work in East-London and two in port Elisabeth. We exchange ideas with them as well. They are confronted with the same challenges as we are.

How do work?
First we observe, for it's quite a job we get. Observe and consume. Some come for the music, others rather for their development. In January 2007 we conducted a national workshop with sessions that too 12 hours. Music, theory, life values and standards were all reviewed. In June there will be other workshops, after which we will record a CD. In Dobsonville we taught morning sessions to staff and the older members. Teaching, discussing, debating, role play were additional to music and theory.


Are all Norwegians successful?
Some more than others. It's not about the academic approach. Either you can do it or you can't.

Can the cultural difference be bridged?
There is always a culture shock, for some stronger than for others. Johannesburg scares off due to its high criminality rate. We have never felt threatened however. But we follow the agreements made with the FBF strictly. We are convinced that agreements are necessary. The musicians really look after us. They would protect us with their livesâ?¦. We also wondered how the man-woman relationships would be here. It is quite different in Africa. How would black boys react. We can guarantee you that we have never ever had any bad experiences.

What would you like to realize?
We would like to set up a programme with the staff in Macassar that the their own instructors could later easily adopt. Momentarily the rehearsals are not run effectively. We should create a system. The staff would like us to help them. Structures are the main challenge.

What is the difference with a band in Norway?
In Norway the members have a much closer relationship with their conductor or band master. If he is good, you'd rather keep him as long as you can. Here they grow, leave the band and move on. They go to University or play in the Police Bandâ?¦ but then you forget what this project is all about. Then you realize it is also about the quality of life.

Why is this a unique experience?
We not only teach, we really joined them. We did not get a tourist tour through Soweto, we're just there! All people came and see us when we were first there. Youngsters went and got their parents, chanting 'White people!'. One woman shouted 'Democracy!' But there were also negative reactions. In the neighbourhood we live in there is disbelief. Once someone asked us 'Are you a music teacher? Where?' When we answered 'in Soweto', we fell silent when they answered 'Well, we teach at a real school among real people!'


What is your biggest challenge?
'Say no' day after day and over and over again. Some children see us as the great white benefactor. They ask for clothes, food, money, a mouthpiece, an instrument. We are white and they are black or coloured. It is a daily struggle. We are not there to give, but to share. It is all about dignity to them. The children should realize that they will have to change their future themselves. They are privileged to be able to work with the Norwegians, but it would be great if also white musicians would join.

How do you keep it up?
Easily! We don't have the idea we're losing our time. We learn from the children a lot. They play music without fear, freely and  naturally, without musical scores. We keep a diary on a blog (www.fredskorpset.no/elleneverdal) We get a lot of feedback. A lot of people read our diary. This way we share our knowledge with Norway. And believe me, it is necessary! Quite a few Norwegians do not know South Africa as a country but simply think it is in the south of Africa. Furthermore flexibility is very important. Do not worry about what you can't do or accomplish but rather on what you can do, that's the message!"

Geert Vanmaeckelberghe

Links: www.musikkorps.no, www.fredskorpset.no, www.fredskorpset.no/elleneverdal, www.fieldband.org.za