Flemish Minister Schauvlieghe Visits Field Band

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Joke Schauvlieghe, who is the Flemish Minister of environment, nature and culture was an invite to the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Durban South Africa. On this occasion she also visited the Alexandra Field Band in the township Alexandra in Johannesburg. She was welcomed in typical Field Band style by a welcome concert (the band ‘blew her away’) and that made a good impression.
Andes Doubell, the regional coordinator of the Field Band Foundation informed her about the partnership that Vlamo (the Flemish Amateur Music Organisation) has with the FBF since, and that was made possible by a funding of the Flemish Department of Culture. Andes pointed out the crucial knowledge transfer in marching percussion and show design which made that the FBF was selected to participate in the opening and closing ceremonie of the FIFA World Cup 2010.


One of topics that was thoroughly discussed was the Field Band Academy. This NQF validated institute will offer a continuous training of Field Band teachers and the relation with Vlamo experts is crucial in its start-up phase. We expressed therefore our hopes that a new project proposal for the continuation of this fruitful cooperation can be guaranteed. Thulani Dupa and Bennet Nkosi, two successful graduates of the Field Band Academy testified about the contribution of the Academy towards better rehearsal planning, better teaching and better show design, allowing Field Bands to prepare high quality performances at high quality events. Visibly pleased and impressed, Minister Joke Schauvlieghe said goodbye and for the Field Band youngster, this exceptional visit was a moment never to forget.

Posted by on Monday, December 12th, 2011. Filed under Current News, FrontPage Feature, S.A. Field Band Foundation.