At the borderline 7: World of contrasts

During the tour through South-Africa the Vlamo (Belgium) delegation visited four field bands. In part 7, Geert Vanmaeckelberghe highlights the field band of Stellenbosch. Translation: Hans Kloppert.

"The field band of Witbank (see part 1) was a young field band with children who had only two years ago met with the world of show, music and dance. The melancholically typical sound the Dobsonville field band in the center of Soweto produced (see part 4) will stick in my mind forever. The enthusiasm but also the desprerate need for quality knowledge of color guard technique reminds me of the Macassar field band (see part 5). Today in part 7 we will feature the field band of Stellenbosch. A crescendo in this series. To me this is the personifying example of the Field Band Foundation project. Musicians in their twenties, who have enjoyed their musical formation in  Norway and with the Pioneer drum & bugle corps are now teaching young and new musicians and preparing them for a better future. We interviewed about twenty adolescents and admired their compassion, dedication, expression, vision and assertiveness...


World of contrasts

Friday March 23, 2007. We're leaving Cape Town and follow the coastline of the Atlantic. In different bays there are golden beaches. The cottages are inhabited by rich South Africans and Europeans. Here the houses are worth a fortune! The coastline is among the most beautiful worldwide. The Antarctic is 6,000 kilometres further south. The beautiful mountain chains 'Tabel Mountain', 'Lion's Head Mountain' and 'The Twelve Apostles' form a unique heavenly scenery. The winding road leads to high in the mountains.

Beautiful villages with restaurants that offer the best of the Cape province on their menus are lined up here. Ranches with horses are stretched. Here poor and rich blend together. Sometimes there is only a little street as a wafer-thin dividing line. The contrast is hard, cold and tough to take. From here the FBF was contacted to start up a field band. Drug problems are here as well.


We're leaving the coastline and head to Stellenbosch. Vineyards on both sides of the road. The Cape wines are well-known throughout the world. The unemployment rate in this area is 27%, making the Cape the richest province of the country. Stellenbosch is one of the prettiest village with prodominantly Dutch architecture. At an intersection in town a poor child is trying to sell golfballs he had found. A sort of recycle-shop the African way. Hit and lost golfballs to survive. What a contrast!
   
Besides drugs the main problem here is alcohol. The workers in the vineyards used to be paid with wine instead of money. The results were disastrous. We're driving through the gate of Hoërskool Cloetesville. Sectional rehearsals have already started. Newcomers with the brass section learn how to buzz, breathe from the diaphragm and still feel a bit strange with the use of valves on their horns. The instructors mave a lot of patience and show a positive approach. Different groups, divided by level, are taught. The most advanced rookies are doing stretch exercises.


The drumline is also working on its future. The pit (steeldrums and marimba) are drawing all the attention. Drive and dedication are at a high level. Not a single music lover can be untoched by this sight. This is enjoyment at its best. One should experience this to really believe it. This is Africa. This is beautiful!

The official language here is Afrikaans, our contacts are intense, spirited and heartfelt. A true experience when the senior Field band performs! Several members enjoyed the exchange programme with Norway (NMF) and the USA (Pioneer drum & bugle corps). In all sections there are talented musicians at work. The brass appeals, but steeldrums and marimbas keep the tempo and rhythm and put up a real show.


This is their life, this is what it's all about. In the Dutch language we talk to some of the members. Adolescents, beautiful people who can introduce themselves and express themselves perfectly. Some will go to the Police Training School, others will go to university or dream of a career as a fireman.

Tekst & Pictures: Geert Vanmaeckelberghe
Translation: Hans Kloppert

Links: www.pioneer-corps.org, www.musikkorps.no, www.fredskorpset.no, www.fieldband.org.za, www.vlamo.be, blog Ellen Neverdal:  www.fredskorpset.no/ellenneverdal