Key Focus Areas

LESSONS & ENSEMBLES

Our dream is that every child is given the opportunity to try their hand at music. We provide a choice of 26 instruments for the pupils to choose from and these instruments are taught by professional Cape Town teachers. Pupils begin on recorder or violin and progress on an annual basis through a choice of different instruments. For those who do not continue, at the very least they have experienced the joy of music, which they otherwise would never have been able to do. All pupils are required to play in one or more of the following: Orchestras, Choirs or Jazz Bands. A shared musical experience cuts across language barriers, cultural differences, and socio-economic differences to create a community. Ensembles become a safe shared place for children emotionally and helps them develop as positive, healthy young adults. Performing in ensembles brings young people together which encourages teamwork and mutual support all the while creating unforgettable memories.

AFRICAN INSTRUMENTS

The creation of an African Instrument Orchestra where South African children of all races perform side by side on our country’s indigenous instruments, is our dream. All pupils partake in indigenous cultural instrument tuition for 1 year as part of their basic education at which point selected pupils are auditioned to join the African Instrument Orchestra. Indigenous cultural musical heritage in South Africa is vast and complex but we focus on Mbira, Djembe, Reed Shakers, Uhadi Bow, Ngyunga and Kudu Horns. This project has been initiated under the guidance of South African icon, Dizu Plaatjies and we believe it contributes to increased understanding of South African indigenous cultural history and its natural participation in everyday life. The AIO collaborates with our other ensembles, in an experimental inclusion of cross-racial and cross-cultural participation as a one of its kind creative platform.

EDUCATION FUND

KMA’s Education Fund emanated from a direct need to assist pupils who do not have the funds to enter good high schools and universities to continue their studies, as an investment in their future. KMA assists with high school applications, bursaries, uniforms and materials and these pupils are assigned a mentor at KMA for support. For pupils entering tertiary music education, KMA secures financial assistance and housing on their behalf, and provides a monthly stipend for the first 18 months.

PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The development of young people’s beliefs about their abilities is necessary for developing a growth mindset as a means of achieving successful performance outcomes in life in general. Music contributes substantially to this. Our many opportunities to perform throughout the year offer the pupil chances to try it out and ultimately to enjoy presenting their talents and efforts to an adoring audience. Pupils perform in monthly lunchtime concerts, quarterly soirees and monthly department concerts. We hold a pupil showcase once a year, including adhoc requests for performances. KMA also takes relevant pupils to the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra rehearsals to expose pupils to professional musicians. Regular performances for both pupils as well as the broader community form an important link to providing cultural experiences to the Hout Bay valley: KMA transforms into a professional Intimate Soiree Venue on an average of once a month to support South African music artists and guests from abroad. These wonderful soirees provide opportunities for the pupils and community to attend concerts and become part of the audience. The KMA Jazz Bands hold an annual fundraiser which includes professional Cape Town Jazz musicians who play with the band for the evening.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Our school bus provides safe transport to and from KMA, and our Lunch Club provides a nourishing meal for every pupil, every day. Our partnership with a local vegetable growing programme offers each family fresh produce weekly and contributes to our Lunch Club kitchen. Teachers tell us when their pupils are having difficulty seeing their sheet music clearly, and we arrange eye tests and glasses if needed. An increasing number of pupils suffering from stress-related ailments necessitating frequent medical interventions. Frequent shack fires prompted KMA to set up a “crisis fund” which provides groceries and financial assistance to families who lose their homes.

PSYCHO-SOCIAL SUPPORT

The impact of the pandemic on children’s mental health and learning will linger for years to come. Stressors continue to multiply, from social media and economic insecurity to political fragility and climate change. There has never been a more urgent time to come together in support of a better future for our children’s mental health and overall well-being.

ZERO DROP-OUT

The pandemic exacerbated an already desperate situation in South African schools and KMA is dedicated to supporting the growing Zero Drop-Out campaign by engaging in school homework support, and our reading library is overflowing with beautiful books to help with literacy. We know that every child at KMA is the future, and our mentorship project contributes to awakening the thought leaders in each one. “Heroes” come share their stories with our children and our peer-mentors learn how to care for the younger, vulnerable pupils in need of a friend.