July 25, 2024

National Cadetship Programme 2023

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Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra currently has eight cadets enrolled in the National Cadetship Programme, which has been implemented in recognition of the limited representation of black musicians and increasing demand for South African musicians in the pool of present and future professional musicians in South African orchestras. 

The Mzansi Philharmonic plays an active role in harnessing South African musicians and providing them with the opportunity to acquire the essential skills and experience for a successful career in the performing arts, specifically in the orchestral industry.

The programme, which was initiated and developed during the 1990s by Bongani Tembe and initially implemented by the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, was the first of its kind in Africa. In 20222 Mzansi Philharmonic assumed custodianship of this programme and is excited to roll it out nationally. A significant part of our budget will be allocated to sustain this unique developmental programme, leading to job creation. 

CANDIDATE CRITERIA: 

The programme is specifically designed to harness promising orchestra players and is open to all South Africans, particularly those from historically disadvantaged communities, who are of a suitable playing standard and aim to become professional orchestral musicians. 

  • Applicants must demonstrate a much better than average aptitude on their principal instrument, as well as a strong interest in playing in a professional orchestra, along with a background of involvement in music-related activities. 
  • They should be either entering their junior or senior year of undergraduate study, recent university graduates, or pursuing graduate- level studies, achieving a minimum overall passing rate of 70%. (Candidates who are not enrolled in institutions of higher learning will be considered under exceptional circumstances). 

THE PROGRAMME PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG AND DIVERSE AUDIENCES TO ACCESS MUSIC, WHILST ATTRACTING THE INTEREST OF DONORS.

THE PROGRAMME OFFERS PARTICIPANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO: 

  • Work directly with professional musicians, learn from their experience, and establish how playing skills can be applied to the orchestral repertoire through hands-on activities and specific playing opportunities;
  • Increase their knowledge and understanding of the practical details and processes involved in playing in a professional orchestra; and 
  • Receive lessons in a one-to-one format from orchestra musicians, funded by the programme. 

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL RECEIVE: 

  • Weekly lessons funded by Mzansi Philharmonic from principal members of the three regional professional orchestras;
  • Weekly studio classes led by members of the three regional orchestras – KZN Philharmonic, Joburg Philharmonic and the Cape Town Philharmonic, as well as guest artists; 
  • Weekly classes in music theory and ear training through music schools and university
    partnerships;
  • A chance to perform in rehearsals and concerts with regional orchestras and the Mzansi Philharmonic; as well as other performance opportunities;
  • Free tuition for performance and theory examinations through UNISA;
  • Access to partner music schools (from each of the respective regional orchestras) for practising and chamber music; and
  • Financial allocation, depending on their level and circumstances, may include payment for tuition, group coaching, stipends of up to R12 500 per month, and, in some cases, payment of university fees. 

One of the strengths of the programme is its dual mentorship component. Several times per week, a cadet will work with an orchestra member to whom she or he has been assigned, learning directly from one of the field’s top professionals. The Artistic Director and/or Orchestra Manager of the Mzansi Philharmonic and respective orchestra will serve as an external mentor to the cadet, in the other mentorship role. 

At the conclusion of each academic year, all relevant stakeholders will monitor and evaluate the learning experience and the cadetship programme as a whole. Cadets will also be given the opportunity to audition for positions in professional orchestras. 

In addition to the many individual benefits outlined above, the performing arts gain a great deal. The continued success of orchestral music in our country is dependent on musicians, funding and patronage.