Opportunities for Growth

After spending some time at AMP! I began to wonder if this project provided more than just a music education. I began to wonder about the students who may decide later that they don’t want to join the music industry, would this project still enhance their lives?

Marinda Mhlongo, a student at Rhodes University and one of the volunteers at AMP!, spoke to me about another benefit which transcends simply receiving a music education.

Tessa Ware, a student at Rhodes University, has taken music as a subject since she was in grade 4. However, when she reached university, she decided she no longer wanted to study music as a subject. She explains how being able to play an instrument is beneficial to students

Another element to this project is that of the band. All students who have joined the programme have to participate in the band. The band rehearses every wednesday for the various shows at which they perform.

Along with trust and connectivity, the band also teaches the students a sense of responsibility because each student is responsible for ensuring that they play their part well. This sense of responsibility is also gained when they perform shows.

On October 31, 2014, AMP! held their first ever concert. While the band has played in shows before, this was the first time the students were able to showcase their work to their parents and the sponsors of the programme. Before the concert they had to work together to arrange the venue for the performance.

While there are many opportunities for growth for the students who have joined this programme, the opportunities for growth are not only limited to the students. Marinda is a science student at Rhodes University with no musical background, however, she assists by teaching the band dance routines. During our conversation she explained to me how she helps the students and how this allows her to grow as a person.