UWC Introduces New Dawn for Music Education with Launch of The Weber Music Hub
Emotional educators, musicians and administrators gathered at the Athlone School for the Blind to share what they all had in common: a lifelong love affair with music and education.
On 24 April 2024, they celebrated the start of an illustrious community project which had been years in the making – the official launch of the Weber Music Hub that marks the fulfilment of a long-held promise between two institutions of learning and culture.
Chairman of the Athlone School for the Blind Association, Mr Chris Jaftha, invoked the spirit of legendary artists like Jose Feliciano, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder to showcase what visually challenged artists could achieve.
He urged those present to find and nurture the children in their communities who showed musical potential and could benefit from these facilities.
The Weber Music Hub boasts a suite of impressive facilities that includes rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, an instrument library and office spaces. But beyond the physical space, it represents a commitment to providing equitable access to music education to visually impaired learners from an early age and elevating the ability of blind and visually impaired artists to tell their own stories.
In the keynote address, Professor Priscilla Daniels, Director of the University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) Community Engagement Unit, spoke about the role of music, how to align values with work and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.
“Music is that language that crosses all barriers,” she said. “We need to be teaching people how to tell their stories. In the past, many stories were changed by those in power or simply never told. Through partnership, we can allow these young students to tell their own stories through music. That is what is important about the legacy we are leaving.”
A touching performance from vocal duo Kayllin Williams and Tyrone Manuel was followed by their memorable version of David Foster’s The Promise. The song was the perfect vehicle to showcase the gifted and well-trained young musicians and indicate the standards the new facility will set.
Musical director and Director of UWC’s Centre for Performing Arts (CPA), Henriette Weber, shared the long journey of accepting the leadership position. Weber spoke fondly of her parents, whose family name graces the new facility, as well as the mentors, students and colleagues who had been there for her every step of the way. Many were there for last week’s opening. They will breathe life and soul into the space over the coming weeks.
Weber explained how the Athlone School for the Blind in Glenhaven, Bellville South, opened its doors to the CPA during the Fees Must Fall protests in 2016 when the campus was shut down.
She said she first noted that there were no music facilities at the school for the young learners. For young students who cannot rely on their vision to navigate the world, a grounding in music and sound presents an essential aspect of their education.
Reverend Julian Titus delivered a moving blessing at the unveiling of the commemorative plaque at the entrance to the hub, which was followed by a tour of the facility. Guests were treated to a performance by the UWC Jazz Combo.
The Weber Music Hub represents a shining example of equity, access, and excellence – a product of communities joining forces with shared vision and values. The launch marks an exciting milestone for music education in the Western Cape and beyond.