World class youth orchestra in the making

 BY ANJELLAH OWINO

At the tender age of three, Daniel Pamba would grab sufurias at his home and turn them into drums to his father’s chagrin. Even after repeated warnings, the youngster did not relent causing the father to realise that his son had a passion for music that needed nurturing. “I decided to let Daniel make music to his heart’s content and use anything in the house as long as it was safe for him,” Rev  Dennis Pamba, spoke of his now 11-year-old son, at the National International Podium during the launch of the Safaricom Youth Orchestra at the Michael Joseph Centre on April 29 this year. Daniel, who wants to be an architect, has not had any form of musical training and landing this music training opportunity is a big boost for a young soul keen on taking his craft to the next level.

“Life is just not about academics, I want to use my talent as well because it makes me happy and entertains those around me. I cannot wait to go for countrywide concerts,” said the elated youth who also plans to use the experience and skills he will acquire to improve on his performance at school as well as mentor to his age-mates interested in music.

Daniel is one among 63 talented youth aged between ten and 19 years selected for the music programme after a series of auditions held at Strathmore University in March. Participants are drawn from USA, Ghana and South Korea playing with those from the deprived neighbourhoods of Kangemi, Korogocho and Umoja as well as privileged Hillcrest and Cavina students. Three month long rehearsals run every Saturday afternoon at Strathmore University under the watch of nine professional tutors of different orchestral fields and two directors until March next year.

Many of the participants like Daniel, however, have never played in an orchestra before and, therefore, do not own any instruments. With the package, their benefactor will provide the instruments and also offer them health insurance cover.

  “The children will all have the same opportunities. In addition to the best resources such as celebrated music directors and tutors, the children will go through three ten-week terms that will ensure they are able to take their skills and abilities to the next level,” said Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. He added, “In addition to a curriculum that is tailor-made for the programme, the children will be able to perform at various engagements throughout the year to allow them the necessary exposure”.

The programme, whose vision is to have a world-class youth orchestra, targets school-going children. Those who will join institutions of higher learning during the programme will drop out, but will be invited as special guest stars during performances. Other talent will replace these and those who will leave the programme for whatever reason. Recruitment of new children will be done annually based on slots available.