As we do every year, we would like to shine a light on activities that will bring joy to you and others and could use some of your support. On Friday, the 22nd of December, 2017, a beautiful concert to bring you the Christmas spirit, will take place at the San Bernardo Church, located at the center roundabout in down town Kralendijk.
The group, Saxomania, will perform in the San Bernardo Church starting at 7 pm. The tickets cost US $10 per person are already available for pre order, but of course, you can also buy a ticket at the door.
You will be enjoying the music of saxophone, drums, guitar and piano.
The Saxomania group has been active for the last 3 years, growing from an idea by one to a group of 9 active musicians, with many more improving their skills in order to become performing members of the group in the near future.
The founder, Caroline de Jong, was a member of a Dutch orchestra and later played saxophone with a group on Curacao. When Caroline came to live and teach at the Pelikan School here on Bonaire, there was no group established. Caroline started out by teaching some children at her school and, slowly but surely, the demand started to grow and more and more people acknowledged her initiative and enthusiastically asked to join or take lessons. The demand became so big that another teacher was needed in order not to let anyone down.
Carla Hay, who has been teaching and helping children with their schoolwork and has previously been part of the classical music board, played instruments her whole life. When there was need for a tenor saxophone, Carla decided to switch from playing trombone to play tenor saxophone and become a member of the group. She quickly developed her skills to a level to be able to teach herself.
Many children are taking lessons and several are performing members of the group. The age ranges from the youngest age 8 to a teenager age 14.
Why Music is important for kids
They say that music is the universal language. Regardless of where you are from or what your background, a good melody is something that everyone can enjoy and understand.
For children, music provides many benefits. Experts agree there are lots of good things about letting your child learn to play an instrument.
1. It will boost their brain power
More and more studies show a correlation between higher academic achievements and children who are exposed to music. Music stimulates parts of the brain that are related to reading, math, and emotional development.
2. It will improve their memory
Further research has shown that participation in music at an early age can help improve a
child’s learning ability and memory by stimulating different patterns of brain development.
3. It helps them socially
Socially, children who become involved in a musical group or ensemble learn important life
skills, such as how to relate to others; how to work as a team and appreciate the rewards
that come from working together; and the development of leadership skills and discipline.
4. It's a confidence builder
When children learn that they can develop a skill by themselves and that they can get better and better, it builds their confidence and self-esteem.
5. It teaches patience
We live in a world of instant gratification, but real life demands patience. You need to work together in a group to make music. You have to be willing to wait your turn to play otherwise the sound is a mess.
6. It can help them connect
It can satisfy the need to unwind from the worries of life. It makes people more alive and connected with one another,
7. Its constant learning
In some pursuits, you can never truly learn everything there is to know. Music is like that.
It is inexhaustible -- there is always more to learn.
8. It's a great form of expression
It gives pleasure and expresses nuances of emotional life for which there are no words.
9. It teaches discipline
To improve in music, you not only have to do well in classes, but devote time to practicing outside of the lessons too. That requires discipline.
10. It fosters creativity
Above all, playing music - particularly as children reach more advanced levels - is a creative pursuit. Creatively is good for the mind, body and soul.
Get involved
Since children have to find out what they are passionate about, playing an expensive instrument can be difficult for parents to afford, especially when the child decides that the specific instrument is not for them.
Therefore, 2 months ago, Saxomania set up a foundation.
- With your support, Saxomania would be able to buy more instruments to rent out to the students so that they have the opportunity to experiment without a big investment by their parents.
- The group would also like to be able to buy a uniform they could wear during performances.
- In the future, Saxomania would like to give their students a chance to experience a real professional recording session.
- They would like to invite international musicians to Bonaire and give group members opportunities to learn more and different skills.
Saxomania was already allowed to raise funds at Van den Tweel Supermarket and are supported by Harbour Village with a spacious room in which to practice.
The concert will be part of the fundraising efforts by the group. The funds are needed to buy more instruments and to make the other dreams come true.
If you are interested in supporting the group financially, or maybe you have an instrument that is not in use anymore, please contact the group.
Enjoy the concert with your loved ones and join the Christmas Spirit.
Info
Fundashon Saxomania
Carla Hay
Phone +599 787 30 71
