Jazz festival offers music workshops for the young

Kicking off the festivities on 19 March is "Gigs for Kids", an interactive performance at the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre from 2-4pm. Invitations to participate in "Gigs for Kids" are extended to charities, social development forums and various pre- and primary schools and is also open to the public. Here children are introduced to the fun aspects of music while exploring the magical world of music and sound.

Skills for the music and events industry

Next up is the Arts & Culture Focus Schools "Youth Rocks Jazz" mini-fest on 21 March. The mini-fest is the culmination of a series of development and training workshops hosted by the Western Cape Education Department in partnership with the South African Arts and Culture Trust (SAACT) for music students and potential events production candidates. The workshops started early last month and were held with learners from 10 schools within the Western Cape, aiming to educate them on the planning and co-ordination of the concert called "Youth Rocks Jazz". The musician entrusted as musical and artistic director to facilitate the music training sessions is saxophonist Donveno Prins. The technical course and training sessions will be facilitated by reputable music and events industry personnel. This year, the workshop schedule offers opportunities for students and teachers to interact with officials from the Berklee University School of Music. The concert will be held at the Western Cape Education Department Sports Complex. The focus of the workshops is music development and job creation by equipping the young with skills to be used in the music and events industry.

Five-month advanced course in Boston

The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) Gugulethu Development project presents an interactive music and skills development workshop on 24 March for 150 Cape Flats learners. The workshop taking place at the FAWU headquarters in Gugulethu will focus on the basics of jazz, as well as enhancing skill levels and opportunities for performers and aspiring performers. Trainers will include a team from the Berklee University School of Music as well as musicians participating in the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Berklee will also be affording one young aspiring musician an opportunity to attend a five-month advanced course at the university in Boston, USA.

Three-year partnership

espAfrika and FAWU have agreed to partner over the next three years to host community jazz workshops that coincide with the Jazz Festival each year to aid in cultural development in underdeveloped communities. This forms part of espAfrika's commitment to music and community development.

For detailed information on Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2011 Training & Development, workshops programme and registrations, go to www.capetownjazzfest.com.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival takes place on 25 and 26 March, 2011. Details can be obtained at www.capetownjazzfest.com, or by calling the festival hotline on +27 (0)21 422 5653. Tickets are available from Computicket and Shoprite Checkers stores.