To equip the younger generation with musical skills and to provide them with a safe space to explore a new talent, music tutor, Weiden Ruiters, has been offering music lessons to the children at Bethesda PPK Church in Kruisfontein, Humansdorp.
Ruiters said, in April this year, that he initially began offering lessons to children, at Bethesda PPK Church, to ensure that the next generation could play music in church.
Once they began with the lessons, he wanted to prove to the young children in his community that they could learn a skill that serves God and entertains others at the same time.
Ruiters said that with all the recent violent acts in Humansdorp the music programme provided a safe space for growth and development in an unconventional sense.
He further said not all children were academically or sport inclined, and the music classes provided a space for them to learn new talents.
“The classes are a simple way for the kids to prove to themselves that they can be positive creators in their own space and at their own pace,” said Ruiters.
He said that since they began practising six months ago, he has seen a significant increase in the children’s confidence, which serves as a reminder that they are able to use their talents for good.
Ruiters said the children have been attending four classes per month and began with the basics of each instrument in April earlier this year.
He said that while the classes are open to all denominations, the pilot phase is comprised of children from the church.
“Music is the most universal form of expression and is a powerful tool that helps build self-confidence. Now, it is accessible to the children from less privileged areas such as Arcadia, Die Jeugkamp and Oyster Bay,” said Ruiters.
To showcase the students’ new found passion for playing musical instruments, the church will be hosting a musical show tomorrow, October 28, at Bethesda PPK in Kruisfontein.
Ruiters said the youngest in the group was NJ Miles (5), who plays the drums and is very excited to have his parents see him play.
The children from the music school include Miles on the drums and keyboard players Dane Williams (13), Maureece Miles (14), Jacque Lippert (16) and Immanuel Breda (16). Neville Miles (46) has also joined the group as a bass guitar player.
“The joy on each child’s face when they master the concept of how to put a few notes together is indescribable,” said Ruiters.
The show will start at 18:00 and tickets cost R20 which can be bought at the door.
