Making Connections in Biharwe & Besania

Exploring New Communities

Biharwe

On April 12th, 2018, Disan, the director of Living Music Foundation (LMF), and Babra, the administrator of LMF, went to Katojo – Biharwe in Mbarara District of Uganda by motorcycle to meet with some youth who wish to learn more about musical instruments and how to sing. When they arrived, they found the students gathered at Katojo Technical Institute in one of the classrooms.

Journey to the village

The session began with introductions from the LMF staff members to the students. Babra addressed the students by talking about Living Music Foundation, the work that the organization is currently doing, and then she encouraged them to be open to exploring their own musical talents. LMF believes that everyone can be surprised by themselves when exploring their own musical talents and have fun with the process. Babra then invited Disan to address the class.

Disan and Barbara all smiles while riding to the village

Disan started by thanking Reverend Elimonth for his work in mobilizing and gathering the youth together; he has been a pivotal leader for music lessons in the community. The students were inspired by what Disan had to say about the impact music can have on your life. They were all so excited to meet Disan and for him to share his talents, because they listen to his music and watch him on TV sometimes.

Then came the time for what everyone was most excited about…music lessons!

Disan talking with the members of the community in Biharwe

Besania

On April 18th, 2018, the group decided to visit the office at Besania to talk to them more about LMF. It was a great afternoon! The Vessels Band was there to take the office members through the machines and singing at the grounds. After this, they became more excited about continuing to work with LMF.

They even decided to come and train at the center for the first month, so the LMF team will work with them to accommodate their future trainings. The first musical training is expected to officially begin on April 20th.

Based on the relationships that have already formed and the excitement of the students to learn, it feels like the lessons have already started!

 

Advertisement

Rwebiita Preparatory School

Our First Visit

A team of four members of living music foundation visited Rwebiita Preparatory school on Wednesday 28th Feb. 2018. We had a great chat with the Director Mr. Mesharch Katusiime about Living Music Foundation and our programs in development. He whole heartedly welcomed the program and requested that we share the same information with the staff. The staff too welcomed us and requested that we put in a performance during one of the school’s “community hours,” which are aimed at inspiring and motivating the children, and some parents who normally come to bring lunch to their children.

Our First Performance

On Tuesday 6th March 2018, The Vessels band travelled to Rwebiita Preparatory School for our performance from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The band backed up the children and the kids were very excited to hear and join the band.

After the introductory music, the school’s Director, Dr. Mesharch, welcomed the Living Music Foundation team and introduced our program to the school. He invited Disan Kato, our Director, to introduce the team, explain the program, and then lead the band’s performance.

Disan introduced the team and explained the desire of The Vessels Band to share their music skills with the community; thus, Living Music Foundation was bornand Rwebiita Preparatory School chosen as one of the pioneer schools to begin implementing our programs. The children and the staff were all very excited, so Disan started right away by teaching them a song. The song was simple for the students, teachers, and parents to learn and immediately the band began playing it. After singing it twice, Disan invited a pupil to lead and a good number of pupils turned up. A boy and a girl did it well and it truly kicked off the performance.

After several songs, the administration together with the visiting parents appreciated the performance and pledged their time and support. Director Dr. Mesharch pledged to buy the Keyboard and a guitar so that training can start at the school.

Our Plans for the Future

Living Music Foundation will schedule another meeting with the administration at the school to start choir training and then training on musical instruments will come later, possibly next term in May 2018. All in all, it was a nice and a memorable day for the school and our team.