AMP was established in 2011 and is a project of the public benefit organisation The Arkwork Collective.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship and Doorways programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
FOCUS AREAS:
YOUTH
MUSIC
EDUCATION
TRANSFORMATION
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
GOALS
AMP’s goals:
- Opening up access for underprivileged school learners to a high-quality centre of music education
- Training learners for formal qualifications in music and access to tertiary study and career paths
- Developing a music curriculum that is in line with current standards but includes neglected relevant areas of study; emphasis on African music, industry music and sound technology
- Creating a dynamic ensemble programme to bridge divisions among young people
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
To learn more about our programme structure and what each programme entails, see:
COMMUNITY
AMP is situated in Joza Location, Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape, South Africa. Click here for a map of the community AMP serves, showing our partner schools:
SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS
AMP’s Centre
- Formalised fruitful partnerships with 8 secondary schools; provided music teaching that has benefited over 60 secondary school children to date
- Produced graduates from our programme with formal certificates through recognised music examination bodies at matric/university entrance level
- Established permanent marimba bands at 6 primary schools, having benefitted over 270 learners to date
- Conducted music outreach projects for 2 secondary schools, (benefitting over 40 learners) and 2 primary schools (benefitting over 200 learners)
- Established the first standing combined schools orchestra in town
Awards
- AMP management staff received a special award from the Rotary Club of Grahamstown Sunset in recognition of their service to the youth of Makhanda (2018)
- Rhodes University Community Partner of the Year in recognition of AMP’s impact in the Makhanda community (2015)
- BASA (Business Arts South Africa) Award for AMP’s CSI partnership with African Musical Instruments (AMI) (2015)
- AMP learners have won numerous awards at competitions and eisteddfods – full details available on request.
Community
- AMP directed the National Arts Festival’s Annual Street Parade, in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017, playing a major part in bringing the National Arts Festival closer to all of Makhanda’s citizens.
- AMP’s has collaborated with the National Arts Festival in producing Masicule, an annual concert celebrating Makhanda’s local vocalists and choirs, from 2014-2019.
Performances
AMP learners perform on a regular basis, and have won numerous awards and prizes. Highlights include:
- Official Opening of the Village Green at the National Arts Festival in 2015, 2017 and 2018
- National Marimba Festival in 2016 – winning 2 gold trophies at this national competition
Collaborations and Exchanges
- Hosted a cultural and musical exchange with Afro-Brazilian performing group from Madagascar, Bloco Malagasy (2015).
- Collaborated with French company Association Faux Défi Défaut Fou and Cape-Town-based organisation Little Giants for the show Big Time on the Main Programme at the National Arts Festival (2012).
AMP Camps
- Held annual music camps since 2012.
AMP’s Music Tours
- Tour to Cape Town (2015)
- Tour to Johannesburg (2016)