Times Of Swaziland: NEW ARTS ACADEMY IN NHLANGANO

NEW ARTS ACADEMY IN NHLANGANO
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 BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA on 31/01/2018 00:45:00


MBABANE – The different art fraternities are being formally institutionalised
in the country.
A new arts academy which will be based in Nhlangano will be officially opening
next week on a date to be announced. This was revealed by Sishayingoma Founding
Conductor July Maziya, who said he was excited to mark a new era in the
Shiselweni region.
The school will be offering orchestra, opera and theatre acting lessons. After
these lessons, students will sit for an exam which is externally accredited.
All those who wish to take up orchestra must note that the age requirement is
between the ages of seven and 20-years old. Maziya explained that playing the
orchestra instruments well required one to learn it from an early age. “In
fact the earlier a child starts to learn the better. However, after the 20-year
old mark professionals will tell you it takes much longer to learn that is why
we put this  strict requirement.”
Maziya stated that they want to instil professionalism from an early age.
“No auditions will be made for anyone who wants to register , because this
school is the first of its kind in the region  so we are giving everyone
interested  a chance,” he added. However, only  a maximum of  50  people will
be registered for the first phase of the project. Auditions will only be done
after the first five months  of lessons for those who would like to join the 
Pacho Youth Orchestra  in South Africa. Maziya said they were working hand in
hand with the directors of Pacho youth and this step is essential to motivate
the students .
The opera sector will admit people from 16-years and older as no age limit will
be put in this music course.