Reconstructing class music in the Northern Province : using songs, choir training and advisory supervision

Abstract

Class music programmes in the Northern Province seem to be inadequate. The music periods are often used for examination subjects. The topic of this dissertation has to do with designing a plan of action to rectify this situation. Firstly there is a need for graded indigenous folk and traditional songs for use in the music lesson. Songs sung in the languages spoken in the Northern Province are very scarce. A song book where these songs are notated in Tonic Solfa and staff notation would make it accessible to all teachers. In this dissertation such a songbook is compiled, notated and also recorded at the SABC-studios. Secondly choral singing is much more accessible than instrumental music in the Northern Province. Therefore, there is a great need for effective choir training programmes. The basic planning of such a programme is given in this document. Thirdly there is a need to upgrade the activities and duties of the music advisort Therefore, a job description is given. Fourthly no information about the different institutions which offer music in this province is documented. A map locating the relevant insitutions is enclosed. Important role players in this field are identified and their addresses compiled. Very little is documented about the music activities in the Northern Province. Very important information gathered in this research from field trips, is made available. The most important contribution is the songbook, compiled, notated and recorded by the author.