One of South Africa’s premier youth ensembles, the KZN Youth Wind Band, will be knocking audiences’ socks off this October with a performance of light classics, popular pieces and African works.
The band, which is made of young musicians between the ages of 13 and 26, are representatives of the colourful tapestry that is South Africa. “The band has been in existence for 40 years and has grown considerably in stature. In 1985 was given provincial status and officially named the Natal Youth Wind Band. In 1995 the name was changed appropriately to the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Wind Band in keeping with political transformation occurring in our country,” said Conductor Russell Scott.
According to Scott, the KZNYWB is proud that many members of the band come from previously disadvantage backgrounds, and have been exceptionally mentored into a bright musical future by the Durban Music School, to which the KZNYWB is affiliated. “They hail from every possible cultural, socio-economic and racial demographic that make up South Africa. And the best part about it is that once they step foot into the rehearsal venue, it doesn’t matter. All divides fall away, as they become simply young musicians making music together. Being part of something greater than just them. The standard is always incredibly high, with the musicians constantly pushing themselves and their fellow band mates to play better and be better,” added Scott.
The band also boasts many promising young musicians from Durban North as well, with many of the passionate artists introduced to the ensemble by their music teachers. “I love all the different people I’ve met and it’s been an amazing experience for me to be part of such a diverse band. My favourite song is The Avengers because the saxophone has a major influence on the song and it gives me goosebumps when listening to it,” said 14-year-old Ballito resident and saxophonist, Troy McDowell.
UMhlanga percussionist, Samkelo Mdakane, told Tabloid Newspapers that music has always been an escape tool in his life from all his worries and joining the band has helped him to be more positive and appreciative of the genius behind music. In March 2017, the KZNYWB was the first African Ensemble to give a world premiere of an American work at Carnegie Hall in New York. The band has toured many international destinations including Mauritius, Germany, Austria, China, Britain and the USA.
Commenting on their performance at Carnegie Hall, New York City, Scott was incredibly enthusiastic about the band’s selection to perform a world premier of a brand-new composition, written by an American composer, just for them. “This made us the first African ensemble to give the world premiere of an American work!”
Northlands Primary School learner and saxophonist, Noah Bosch, explained that while some of the music they play can be challenging, nothing compares to the expressions of joy in their audiences’ faces when they perform, a sentiment that fellow band mate, Geo Kirsten, shares. “The level of skill and professionalism is out of this world. It’s just so enjoyable to rehearse and perform with like-minded musicians of such a high level. My favourite song to preform is Disney at the movies. It is my most difficult piece to play but I love reminiscing about my childhood through the melodies that I play,” said Kirsten.
Seventeen-year-old Northwood lads, Roïc Reece Weirich Wiggill and Joel Bosch, both adore the exhilarating atmosphere that envelops both the band and its audience. “Being surrounded by musicians who are passionate about similar things and people who I can learn from is priceless,” said Bosch.
For 14-year-old Guy Henwood-Fox, the biggest thing about the band is being part of a team to create something extraordinary. “It has exposed me to a lot more music and made me realise that there is a lot more music out there and that every little bit counts. Each person playing their part turns it into something extraordinary.” After many delays due to the pandemic, The KZNYWB is all set to play on 31 October at the Durban Botanical Gardens.
