The UND School of Music will host a fund raising concert for the Siyakhula Percussion Band at Howard College Theatre on October 16 at 19h00.

This band of 12 diminutive primary school players have wowed audiences with their musicianship and confident presentation and promises to have audiences dancing in the aisles to their eclectic mix of African Jazz and Latin rhythms.

Formed in 2002 by local music teacher and UND graduate Fiona Hebrard, they play a variety of instruments including djembe drums, shakers, scrapers, glockenspiels and piano. Most of the music is composed by Hebrard and the Siyakhula members themselves.

The band has attracted international attention and has been invited to participate in a schools exchange programme in the UK in 2004. All money raised at the concert will be put towards the costs of the trip and initially the aim is to produce a CD recording which will be sold at concerts throughout the year.

Joining the Siyakhula Percussion Band will be the St Mary's African Music Ensemble and a local school Choir (to be confirmed) who will present a supporting programme of African Music & Dance and Choral music.

The St Mary's African Music Ensemble consists of 12 young girls who compose, arrange and perform African rhythms on West African djembe drums and the Zulu isigubu (bass) drum. Incorporating vocal music, clapping and other percussion instruments, the African Music Ensemble will open the evening with fine drumming. A choral programme will follow.

Tickets R20 (R10 senior citizens and students). Bookings and enquiries through Debbie Mari on 031 260 3353 or e-mail: marid1@nu.ac.za