Workshop aims to drum up change

The Cape Metro Marching Association (CMMA) proudly hosted a drumming and drum major workshop aimed at empowering youth through music, movement, and discipline, all year round.

The workshop took place at Fairmount Secondary School in Grassy Park and brought together several “passionate and talented” school teams on Saturday May 24.

The workshop included hands-on coaching, leadership guidance, and performance skills for a marching band. Beyond the beats and drills, the workshop served as a safe, supportive space for young people to grow in confidence, teamwork, and discipline.

Participating schools and groups included Heathfield Primary, Montagu’s Gift Primary, The Young Soldier Community Cadets in Montague’s Village, Lavender Hill, Pelican Park Primary, and Lavender Hill High.

Roy Prinsloo, a retired teacher of Fairmount High School and chairperson of the CMMA, said they have several workshops during the year.

“We are planning one this term on June 16 (Youth Day). We would like to have a street march, subject to funding.”

The marching or drumming workshops are aimed at transformation, “changing the lives of youth. We are aiming to teach the youth to make the right choices and to work as a team, as peer pressure from gangsters can misinform them,” said Mr Prinsloo.

Fifteen years ago, Mr Prinsloo started the idea of a marching band in Parkwood. “Ten schools were invited when I started the non-profit organisation. We support and promote marching and drilling in all schools and communities within the Cape Metro.”

The CMMA has a membership of 40 schools and 4 community teams. “We have strategic partnerships with the WCED (Western Cape Education Department), Safe Schools, SAPS, DCAS (Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport), and Chrysalis Academy.”

Mr Prinsloo said, “This organisation needs funding, and we are appealing to the community and companies to come on board. The school children in our area need shoes and pants to be a part of the marching band.”

While the WCED does facilitate and fund some events, Mr Prinsloo requested those who could to “plough back into the community to assist them”.

Winson Ceasar, caretaker and drilling coach of Heathfield Primary School pupils, said the workshop was “very positive”.

Mr Ceasar believes that the skills the children learn at drumming sessions help them in their school work.

“I started drilling in March last year, and in October our kids came second in a SAPS community schools drilling competition in October last year.”

He said he teaches them to focus and be disciplined in “practising the skill over and over, every Saturday morning”.

Mr Ceasar said the workshop enhanced the children’s skills when they showed them the right way of drumming.

“This project is not only a sport but also a career-building initiative.”

He selected a few “naughty” children at the school and introduced them to drumming.

“I check up on their progress with their teacher. I tell them that they should use the same effort that they put into drumming and apply it to the school exam.”

When Mr Ceasar followed up, the feedback from a teacher was positive.

“Drilling positively impacted a few learners by aiding memorisation and skill acquisition. It helped them to be more disciplined in class, and an improvement in behaviour is seen. It has provided a platform for them to make friends and engage with other learners, as well as build their confidence.”

Mr Ceasar said that if they continue doing the drumming, when they finish high school, they will be ready to apply to the SANDF (South African National Defence Force) as they would have the necessary skills to start a career.

The event was filled with energy and enthusiasm as learners received hands-on coaching, leadership guidance, and performance skills. Beyond the beats and drills, the workshop served as a safe, supportive space for young people to grow in confidence, teamwork, and discipline.

We would love to share this positive story with your readers to highlight the incredible potential and commitment of Cape Town’s youth and the growing impact of CMMA in local communities.

If you would like to help, contact Mr Prinsloo at 063 410 0805 or prinsloo.roy@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.