There was a buzz in Storms River Village on the morning of Saturday, November 23. Children began to emerge, dressed in bright yellow T-shirts, filled with energy and excitement.
By noon, 64 children aged between four and 14 had gathered to perform in the Music Sprouts Showcase and Fundraising Concert at the Tsitsikamma Manor in Storms River.
About 200 parents, supporters, and children attended to celebrate the occasion.
Conducting the event were local musicians and music teachers, Chanel and Michaela Gardner, who established the Music Sprouts Access Program in January this year to provide children in the community with access to and exposure to music lessons and musical instruments.
Their vision is to offer opportunities for young musicians and establish a youth string orchestra in the village.
The children amazed everyone with their talent and high spirits.
The acts ranged from group singing performances, where different classes performed together for the first time, to group instrumentals featuring recorders, piano, violins, and djembe drums, along with solo acts on guitar, violin, and piano.
All participants received a certificate of appreciation and achievement to acknowledge their dedication and hard work throughout the year.
What is the inspiration behind the Music Sprouts Access Program?
Michaela said, “Starting a community music programme has been a dream of ours for many years, and we can’t believe how incredible these children are. In only a year, they have learnt so much and have astounded us with their potential, dedication, and talent.”
Chanel added, “Our motivation is that children are our future. Plain and simple. We feel it is not only an honour but also our responsibility to nurture the children of our local village community, as this is our home, and we have the opportunity to be a part of its evolution as they grow.
“We are so grateful for the support we have received from the community so far, including the St Andrew’s Anglican Church for allowing us to use their hall on Wednesdays for our community class.”
In July this year, Michaela told the Kouga Express that they wanted to hold a fundraising concert, but at that time, they did not have enough instruments to accommodate the number of children in the programme.
Thanks to a few generous donations and some purchases made possible by a fundraiser the duo conducted a few months ago with a YouTube livestream of their weekly evening gig at Taste Bistro in the village; they now have just enough instruments to host group classes and were able to make the event a reality.
The concert was a milestone and garnered even more community support, which is crucial for further progress.
The main goal of the event was to showcase the children and bring the community together.
“We hope to grow the programme so that we can easily accommodate and inspire any children in our area who are interested in music, or who just need some extra support and nurturing,” said Michaela.
There is, however, a long waiting list of children wanting to learn the violin, which means there is always a need for more.
The Gardners try to source second-hand instruments whenever possible, as these are much more affordable, allowing donated funds to stretch much further.
“We raised a total of R2 800 from the event, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of the community,” said Michaela.
“They really showed up and made the children feel so special and uplifted.
“Thanks go to Tsitsikamma Manor for hosting the event. Much appreciation must also go to local businesses Taste Bistro, Storms River Guest Lodge, Tsitsikhaya Lodge, Tsitrus Cafe, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours, Tsitsikamma Segway Tours, and Kareedouw Slaghuis, as well as to very special community members and neighbours for all their help, support, and donations.”
Michaela and Chanel have big dreams for the future of the Music Sprouts Access Program.
Besides the constant need for instruments, one of their biggest desires is for a dedicated space to host the programme.
“So, we have decided that it is time to make the ultimate goal a reality,” said Michaela with excitement.
“We need to put up a structure, and we happen to have a great spot where we live on the main road of Storms River Village. This would allow us more flexibility with our open hours and, in turn, provide more access to our local kids. All we need is the finance.”
They would like to build an off-grid structure that will provide ample group rehearsal space, practice room, instrument storage, computer access, and recording space—everything the Music Sprouts children need to thrive.
Michaela continues, “At this point, we are growing, and our instruments are becoming more difficult to haul around with our handmade wagon, as we do not own a vehicle. We now dream of having a sturdy vehicle for transporting all the instruments to and from classes, and for transporting children with instruments to future events, of which there will be many as the programme continues to grow.
“Everything we have been able to achieve this year is solely thanks to donations from local residents and businesses, and from visitors to the village who attend our regular live music performances at Taste Bistro,” said Michaela.
For more information or to donate towards their programme visit their website and click on the “donate now” to be directed to their BackaBuddy campaign.
Alternatively, contact Michaela at 083 268 8467 or email musicsproutssa@gmail.com.
Follow the Music Sprouts page on Facebook and YouTube.
