“Creatively making the better of best” LYJRO have decided to dedicate the next academic
year to fundraising for Ekhaya, raising enough to send a set
of saxophones, trumpets and trombones. These gifts will really benefit
the Arts Centre and LYJRO wanted to give something back for an experience
we will never forget. |
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“Creatively making the better of best”, was a mission statement written on a plaque in the Ekhaya Multi-Arts Centre in Durban. Situated in one of the poorest areas of the city, it was just one of the places we visited that had a profound effect on the band. We were shocked at the lack of resources for basic musical activities. We unanimously decided that as a band we wanted to help in some way. Although it became obvious that many places we visited needed financial help, we were aware that if we provided basic instruments for Ekhaya, then the centre could apply for grants, establish their own big band and offer musical tuition. |
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Members of the Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra would agree that the recent cultural exchange to South Africa was highly beneficial in many ways. It improved the quality of our playing and united the players, not just as band members but also as good friends. No one really knew what to expect and for many band members it was a truly humbling and eye-opening experience. We were shocked at the huge contrast between the rich and the devastatingly poor. We met some very inspirational people who taught us a lot about how people make the most of what they have. |
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