Field Bands for the young to compete

Stirring music, vibrant dance and a positive youthful vibe will be the order of the day at this free event, which sees nine bands, each comprising 120 youngsters, competing for the title of the top field band in the country.

Disadvantaged youngsters developed

For the past 12 years, the Field Band Foundation (FBF) has been developing disadvantaged youngsters through the concept of the international showband, with a uniquely South African twist. The organisation added another accolade to its trophy cabinet at the recent Business and Arts South Africa Awards, taking home the Chairman's Premier Award on the night.

The FBF currently has a membership of 4127 young people from 286 schools in 109 townships, all intent on improving their lives through music.

The National Championships start on 2 October with the first division championships before bands in the premier division vie for the laurels on 3 October. The main event on the Saturday will be opened at 9am by Herman Mashaba, chairman of the Field Band Foundation, as well as Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile.

Thereafter, the competition gets into full swing, with field bands from all over the country striking up their instruments in order to win the favour of the panel of local and international judges.

The participants

The participating bands are: Soweto Field Band, De Beers Musina Field Band, De Beers Cullinan Field Band, Cape Whalers Field Band, Stocks Anglo Field Band, De Beers Black Like Me Northern Cape Field Band, PG Bison Buccaneers Field Band, Mdantsane Field Band, and De Beers PPC Kimberley Field Band.

Their performances - which will encompass a range of music styles and genres - will be followed by a performance by the National Field Band, which is made up of members of all the field bands in country and which recently took part in the 2009 South African Tattoo.

Go to www.fieldband.org.za for more details.