Making a joyful noise in Kleinmond

Writer Elaine Davie

As we come to the end of a year like no other, most of us probably feel buffeted and bruised and down in the dumps. We’ve all been touched by the pandemic in one way or another, but amongst those who have experienced its most stressful side effects, are children and performing artists. Imagine what it must be like to be a child and a performing artist.

Handevat Artistic Director Axolile Hoza conducts a section of the Overberg Orchestra in a rehearsal for the concert on Friday 20th at the Kleinmond Dutch Reformed Church.

The renowned Handevat Music School in Kleinmond, under the leadership of founder Stefné van Dyk has struggled to keep in touch with its 120 to 130 pupils during lockdown. Online training took place, but proved tricky in terms of data affordability. The trainers were unable to make use of their normal teaching facilities at Kleinmond Primêr and although individual lessons were eventually reintroduced at the Mthimkhulu Community Centre, group work could not commence until a couple of weeks ago at the school.

“You can’t believe how disruptive this has been for both the children and the teachers,” comments Stefné. “It’s like having to start all over again, especially for the beginners.” Every year Handevat learners, as individual performers and members of the famed Handevat Marimba Band, shine at the local Eisteddfod and the self-confidence it gives them to perform before an audience is invaluable. Last year, their Overberg Orchestra which had only just been formed, won the prize for best orchestra and performed at the prize-winners’ gala event in Stellenbosch, as well as at the Artscape Youth Festival. This year,

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