Youngsters to learn about jazz

JOBURG - Standard Bank’s Geleza Kleva and Learn series of day-long workshops start in July as part of the build-up to Standard Bank Joy of Jazz which takes place from 25 to 27 September.

Youngsters who often dream about a career in the music industry will get the opportunity to learn the ropes from jazz maestro and record company owner, Concord Nkabinde during the Geleza Kleva and Learn series.

Standard Bank’s Geleza Kleva and Learn series of day-long workshops start in July as part of the build-up to the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, which takes place from 25 to 27 September.

They will be in Alexandra at the Eastbank Hall on 17 July as part of the events’ development programme.

Geleza Kleva and Learn has been specially designed to give music students the opportunity to learn more about the music business, and highlights the different careers available, as well as the challenges in the industry. The programme aims to assert the music industry’s function as an important role player to society as a whole; that the industry can play an important role in the social transformation and education of the youth.

Well-known performer Concord Nkabinde, who also owns a music company, will facilitate and co-ordinate the workshops. Youngsters often dream about a career in the music industry but have little knowledge and understanding of how the industry works. This is what Geleza Kleva and Learn – the successor to the successful Joy of Jazz Camps in previous years – aims to address.

Geleza Kleva and Learn takes the form of a day-long workshop providing participants with an opportunity to learn more about the different careers in the industry, how to access them and what the challenges are. A highlight will be a visit by an established artist who will share their stories with the students.

The workshops focus on various key role players within the industry, including:

· The songwriter, producer and publisher

· The musician

· The events’ producer, artists’ management and booking agents

· Behind-the-scenes, including technicians.

Besides Alex, Geleza Kleva and Learn will also take place at the Soweto Theatre in Soweto on 11 July and the Orange Farm Multipurpose Centre in Orange Farm on 15 July. The new-look 2014 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from 25 to 27 September.

Details: Dianne Graney 011 636 3873; dianne.graney@standardbank.co.za; www.joyofjazz.co.za; www.standardbankarts.co.za