A community outreach programme in Storms River Village, in the Tsitsikamma, envisions a local Youth String Orchestra – a dream that could make dreams come true for children of the village.
The Music Sprouts Access Programme has sprung from the creative minds and hearts of Chanel and Michaela Gardner, who run a music school at Storms River Village.
They teach private music lessons in various instruments, using personalised strategies to teach music to young and old.
They are passionate about the benefits of early exposure to music and established the Music Sprouts Access Programme to provide children in the community with access and exposure to music lessons and musical instruments.
“The musical ‘seeds’ planted during our classes for children enable their brains to develop new pathways, which enhances all other aspects of their lives,” said Michaela.
“This is a huge benefit to young children, whether they choose to pursue music later or not.”
Many expenses for the programme are covered by Chanel and Michaela, while they continue to offer their time free of charge.
The two also have a collection of musical instruments, including six violins at this stage that must be shared by the students who attend their classes.
Classes start off with a choir practice, to enable everybody to participate, and the number of children attending their weekly afternoon class varies, but up to 30 are involved.
The couple moved to Storms River Village in 2023 and are passionate about off-grid eco living, sustainability, growing their own food, and seed saving.
Music has been a constant thread in the journey of these lifelong musicians from two completely different worlds.
Chanel is a self-taught musician and songwriter, with over 15 years of experience in performing, managing bands, and mentoring upcoming artists, while Michaela is a classically-trained musician with over 12 years of experience in teaching music, and has performed in orchestras around the world.
“Through music, the potential to have a lasting impact in our community is immeasurable,” said Michaela.
For Chanel and Michaela the importance of musical training also lies in the fact that it provides excellent long-term possibilities, as it can become a career path independent of academic qualifications.
Many and varied opportunities can come through participation in music programmes.
A sustainable music programme will also birth the next generation of music teachers, guaranteeing the continued empowerment of children through musical education, generating job opportunities, and uplifting communities.
There are many music programmes in the country that provide opportunities for young musicians, and Chanel and Michaela’s vision for Music Sprouts and a youth string orchestra is to do the same for the children of Storms River Village.
Michaela personally knows the value of a music access programme, having participated in the Music is a Great Investment (MIAGI) programme in Soweto from 2008 to 2016.
It provided her with the opportunity to tour Europe four times as a member of their youth orchestra.
To further empower the youth in Storms River Village, Michaela said they want to hold a fundraising concert for Music Sprouts Access Programme, but they simply do not have enough instruments to accommodate the number of children in their programme.
“For now, we are focusing on raising funds for string instruments, violins, violas and cellos. We surely have the potential to build a full youth string orchestra,” said Michaela.
“There are many music programmes in the country that provide opportunities for musical education and expansion, and a local string orchestra could do the same for the children of our community.”
She said donations of any amount and sponsorships of students would be tremendously appreciated.
“Such a gift does not merely fill a need, but it also feeds a passion and supports development of life skills, such as work ethic, tolerance, integrity, problem-solving, teamwork, improved academics, and much more,” said Michaela.
She said string instruments cost from R2 000 to R5 000, depending on the instrument.
As a result, Michaela said they try to source second hand instruments whenever possible, as these are much more affordable, and donated funds can then stretch much further.
Donations to the Music Sprouts Programme will also go towards music books, printing costs, instrument repairs, maintenance, accessories, and instrument cases.
Ideally, funds might even extend to covering tuition fees.
Michaela further said that donations of musical instruments are also welcome.
She expressed appreciation for The Fernery Lodge and Spa at Blue Lillies Bush in the Tsitsikamma, and Taste Bistro at Storms River Village, who sponsor the students.
Donations have also been received from private individuals in the area, and the local Anglican Church very kindly allows them to use their hall free of charge for their classes.
A lesson sponsorship of R5 000 covers one 30 to 45-minute group slot, and could provide as many as six children with weekly music lessons for a full year, as well as access to the instruments needed to master their talents.
Sponsors will also receive regular updates about the programme.
For more information, or to sponsor the programme, contact Michaela Gardner at 083 268 8467, or email musicsproutssa@gmail.com.
Follow the Music Sprouts Facebook page or visit their website https://chanelandmika.com/ and Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@chanelandmika.
