up to the visit of the esteemed European Suzuki team from Belgium and the UK, who generously offered to come to South Africa for a SUZUKI™ Refresher Course. When they arrived, it felt dreamlike — a surreal moment filled with joy and excitement: ‘they had arrived!’ The team of six teacher trainers included Koen Rens, Griet Wytmyck, Peter Nys, and Veerle Van Gorp from Belgium; Guillem Calvo from the UK; and Lee Marais from South Africa. Two vibrant days were spent in the Pretoria region with teaching sessions, group classes, and opportunities for networking. Although the group classes were smaller compared to those in the Cape, they were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. Students had the opportunity to receive private lessons, which thrilled and inspired them. A heartfelt thank you goes to Lee and her team for organising a beautiful venue — even going so far as to fetch carpets specially from Johannesburg. The delicious refreshments and warm atmosphere made for a welcoming and productive environment. Another special thank you to Andrea Kreuiter and her wonderfully supportive and generous parents, who kindly hosted three of us — your hospitality made all the difference! On Wednesday, the teacher trainers flew to Cape Town and spent the afternoon at the Good Hope Seminary School with Maria Botha and her groups, including the inspiring Muzukidz pupils. 27 The trainers had high praise for Maria’s incredible work — especially the Muzukidz students, who play at an exceptionally high standard and clearly left a strong impression. Meanwhile, teachers and pupils were arriving from as far as Harare, Zimbabwe (2,500km) and Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (1,500km) — a testament to the dedication and passion of our Suzuki community. From my own studio in KwaZulu-Natal, a supportive parent helped raise funds through a BackaBuddy campaign as well as private donors to assist three pupils from Lidgetton Village and Khazimulu Children’s Home. Thanks to this generous effort, these young musicians were able to fly to Cape Town — accompanied by Slondile Mhlongo, Principal of Lions River Primary School — and they were beyond delighted with the experience. On Thursday and Friday, teacher training sessions were held in the mornings, followed by student group classes after lunch. The venue had changed to the Frank Pieterse Music Centre, which accommodated everyone extremely well. The students worked hard and had so much fun that they hardly noticed the hours fly by. The sessions also included repertoire practice in preparation for the National Concert on Saturday. A highlight for some of the teachers was the Thursday evening supper — a perfect opportunity to connect with the teacher trainers over good food, fine wine, and stimulating conversation. National Concert The Annual National Concert took place on Saturday 19 July, in the beautiful Hugo Lamprechts Music Centre Auditorium. SASA is deeply SUZUKI™ Refresher Course & National Concert 2025Carol Solomon grateful to the management for granting us the use of this wonderful venue. Around 80 children participated in the hour-long concert. There was a sense of joy throughout — and sadness when it ended. It was wonderful to have pianos included in the concert, and the two grand pianos on stage were impressive. “Balloon Pop Polka”, played by four children, was a hit. A further memorable moment was when Koen Rens led the children off the stage to the tune of the Twinkles — reminiscent of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, leaving everyone smiling. Final Thanks Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this year’s SUZUKI™ Refresher Course and Annual National Concert a success: Sonnika and the SASA committee for their superb organisation; the Teacher Trainers from Belgium and London; Stefan Sonnekus for the photos; parents who hosted families and teacher trainers; parents who brought their children to Cape Town; all who helped with meals, transport and logistics; Frank Pieterse Music Centre; Hugo Lamprechts Music Centre Auditorium. Your contributions ensured this joyful and unforgettable event ran smoothly. Here’s to more music, deeper connections, and the continued growth of the SUZUKI METHOD™ in Southern Africa! “Without hurry, without rest!” There was much anticipation and behind-the-scenes activity leading SUZUKI™ Refresher Course
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4MzY=