Arts Writer
BRIDGETOWN High School music students have been tutored by renowned music producer and keyboard player Mark Goliath. A six year working relationship between Bridgetown Theatre Company (BTC) and Bridgetown High in the area of the performing arts has seen BTC provide free training in dance, drama and music.
Over the years this collaboration has culminated in opportunities for students to perform at The Artscape Drama Festival and Cape Town Carnival. Another showcase will be the free Waterfront High School Bandslam competition on April 15 at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre. On April 15 and 16 from 6pm, 12 high schools and music schools will participate in the event.
Each band will perform for 30 minutes. The winning band will receive a R1000 cash prize. The aim of the staging is to give a platform to talented students. This is the first year Bridgetown will participate in the four year-old event. Student will play jazz, R&B, pop and old school classics.
This participation is a dream come true for principal Andrew Windvogel. “We are extremely proud of the success our students have achieved in a very short time. Remember, our students, unlike that of other former model C schools also participating in this event, do not have the music facilities at our school and music teachers. Despite this glaring disadvantages our students raised above their dire circumstances to produce music that we proud of. Not forgetting that they have to travel long distance by public transport to attend rehearsals after school hours.
“To us it is not about winning, but participating. As well to make our students aware that regardless of the township status of our school, their self-worth as human beings is paramount to us.” Students participating in the event include Krizel Koert, Abeeda Marcus, Liam Manuel and Robyn Allen: “Our participation is not only about the showcasing of our talents, but to show fellow students that anything is possible because good things do happen to students from our township school if we work hard”
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