An investigation of community music in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth :a case study of five community bands

• Main Author: Tobias, Michael Charles Peter
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 2013
• Subjects: Community music > South Africa > Port Elizabeth; Bands (Music) > South Africa > Port Elizabeth
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020949

The Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth are mostly comprised of the so called “Coloured” community and is vibrant in tradition and musical activities. Community music in the form of marching bands, brigade bands, wind bands and brass bands form a central part of the music activities in this area. The non-availability of music education in schools combined with the multitude of social challenges creates a cultural and moral vacuum. Children are not exposed to the finer arts and music in particular and without these bands and groups probably never will. This study will explore five community bands/groups and the role they play in the lives of people and especially the children and the youth. The impact and influence music has on the social upliftment of under-privileged children in this area has never been studied. The study shows the big impact these bands/groups have on the children and the communities they serve and highlights the dedication and good work of those band managers working with these groups. The study concludes with a proposal that an art/music centre be established in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth.