GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - The brass bands of Great Brak River come from an area with social challenges but the musicians are a ray of light in this community, according to Dee Disney.
"In the Great Brak River area we have three brass bands, VGK (URC) Brigade, Star of Bethlehem and Boys' Brigade who cater for the young people, which have tremendous depth of talent."
On average, members' ages vary from about 10 to adults.
"In December, one of the bands walked through our beautiful area, entertaining the people with their musical abilities. They walked everywhere, at times carrying their heavy equipment for many kilometres in order to entertain the community. Their Christmas carols were a pleasure to listen to."
Finances collected will be used to help with the purchasing of instruments, uniforms and other necessities. This aids them in spreading the ministry to reach more young people and at the same time be more spectacular in their performances.
"Driving to Mossel Bay on Sunday, going to the Dias Festival to see our bands, it started raining so I asked the Lord to please keep the rain away until our brass bands had finished playing, which He did. What a wonderful experience and a delightful afternoon we had. I was totally blessed listening to all of them playing with so much enthusiasm and zest."
Bands from all over the greater Mossel Bay area performed.
"I am amazed at the quality and dedication of these bands. They enter competitions each year and play at various functions. All the bands in the area have basically the same goal - to keep the young people off the streets and away from drugs and alcohol," says Disney.
"It was indeed a feast of brass band music, with the youngest member participating being a mere six years old."
Disney believes these young musicians need to be exposed to more opportunities and would welcome any recommendations from the community.
"Any contributions that would enable more of these young people to be reached, I am sure would most welcome."
Contact Dee (disney@telkomsa.net, 083 292 0743 or 044 620 4015) if you are able to help.
Brass bands performing at the Dias & Port Fesitval 2019 showed what the greater Mossel Bay area has to offer.'We bring you the latest Great Brak River, Garden Route news'
