Gospel Assemble Music Academy is a big success
According to Gail Speake, the group director and co-founder, the music school was established in 2010 by her husband, Daniel Speake and they have recently started teaching and coaching young people in Noordgesig from January.
The Gospel Assemble Music Academy (GEMA) recently held their music concert and a gala dinner at the Riverley Recreation Centre.
ALSO READ: Finalists for Gauteng 2022 Sports Awards announced
The night saw the jazz music students who started practising months back showcase their talent and skills during a live audience in a full hall.
According to Gail Speake, the group director and co-founder, the music school was established in 2010 by her husband, Daniel Speake and they have recently started teaching and coaching young people in Noordgesig.
“As jazz and classical music former students and graduates ourselves, we saw a need to create something that will help keep young people off the streets and for us music was the first thing in mind,” Speake said.
The music however, does not only focus in music but works to give back to underprivileged families in their various community outreach programmes including food donations and giving free extra classes to help learners in difficult subjects.
“The aim of the concert and group is for the students to learn how to play music together but most importantly to grow them individually so that they can earn a living in the future through playing these instruments.”
She added as part of their practice, they teach the students a different genre and put them in bands according to their levels, from beginner to advanced and each group consist of a key board player, bass player, drummer and vocalist if necessary.
Speake said, “Through working with children, I have seen that they are faced with a lot of social ills either from their background or caused by the negativity they get from the community.
“This is why the group is more like a family from us and we want to create a safe haven where they can be free to discuss whatever difficulty they face.”
Regardless of all the challenges from lack of music instrument, the group still strived and brought their best performance which left the audience mind blown.
ALSO READ: Diepkloof Community Radio invites locals to the awards ceremony
“We have achieved a lot up to date because our students are now the best version of themselves. We see this from their confidence on stage and the way in which they carry themselves. It shows that we are reaching our initial goal,” added Speake.
As part of their future goals according to Speake, they are working on building a music studio to help the students produce their jazz singles and extended plays.
“This will get them exposed to a lot of opportunities and actually earn a living from music because we have had our students play for various gospel groups and artist previously.”
Parents and guests expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Speake’s for all the work they have done.
ALSO READ: Women who serve with purpose in Eldos received awards
“This is a great initiative and it will help the community curb the horrible pandemic of substance abuse and drugs that we are faced with because young people are kept occupied it means they will not get time to spend in the townships,” Ayesha Martin said.
Residents are urged donate music instruments which will go a long way to help the group.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
