The Safaricom Youth Orchestra, which this month celebrates nine years since its inception, prides itself on being a melting pot for musicians from different backgrounds.
Since its launch in April 2014, the orchestra, usually made up of about 70 musicians ages 10 to 17, has brought classical music closer to Kenyans.
Rohan Neel Shah, 15, started playing the piano when he was two and joined the Orchestra four years ago. “I had never played in an orchestra before, and I really had never heard of one before. Playing together with other musicians has completely boosted my level of music and thinking as well,” says the tuba player.
The tuba is the largest and deepest-sounding instrument in the bass section, and it is held upright when it is played. For Rohan, it presented a welcome challenge, “I decided to go with a tuba because it’s such a big instrument and so fascinating to me compared to like a trombone or trumpet.”
Angela Kariuki, who plays the cello, was part of the ninth cohort of SYO who graduated on April 1, 2023. Inspired musically at an early age by her sister, a violinist who took her to concerts and practices, she was fully hit by the musical bug when in high school.
The cello a wooden musical instrument with four strings is held vertically between the legs and is played by moving a bow across the strings.
She says: “I feel like the cello has a very rich sound. It has a way to the soul that I don’t feel like any other instruments has. That is why I chose cello.”
For 18-year-old Roy Mwaura, graduating from SYO, is a culmination of a spark spotted by his teacher of music in primary school while teaching him how to play the guitar. Upon joining high school, Roy got hooked by the alto saxophone, a wind instrument in the family of woodwinds.
For Roy, who looks up to his SYO tutor, Samuel Mutuku and UK sax great Charlie Parker, the alto saxophone offers freedom and individual flair.
“It has a really nice tune; you can do really good techniques with it. And it stands out from other instruments to me because you can actually do quite a lot of solos and be free with your music,” he says.
Raheel Neel Shah, Rohan’s brother, plays in the percussion section of the SYO. For the 13-year-old student at the International School of Kenya, drums are what tickles his fancy.
“I’ve been playing music since I was three years old. I started off with the piano but after a couple of weeks, I really didn’t like it and I gave it up. Then later on, I heard lots of drums everywhere, and I really enjoyed the sound. So, I told my mom, I would like to try the instrument. And I fell in love with drums”
The Orchestra’s term runs from May to March of the following year. At the end of every year there is a graduation which is followed by a public audition to fill the vacant position. To join one has to show passion and determination in a public audition that consists of theoretical and practical tests conducted by the music directors and tutors.
As Angela and Roy graduate, they look back at their time at SYO with pride.
“The orchestra has supported my growth in music in many ways. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge. I have gotten to socialise with many people and gotten to know many other playing techniques,” says Roy.
“When our conductor speaks to us, you learn how to relate music with life and I feel like that’s a really good way in which I can build my musicality from now and onwards,” adds Angela.
Raheel celebrates the togetherness and sense of community.
“What I love about being in Safaricom Youth Orchestra is how we get to play and interact with different children from different backgrounds. And it also teaches you how to be focused and how you should be grateful for what you have. Also, it has taught me how to play with a group of people and generally it’s improved my musical ability,” Raheel explains.
Under the guidance of music directors Duncan Wambugu, Levi Wataka and numerous qualified tutors, SYO members have performed with world-renowned artists at various events.
“During my first year when I joined Safaricom Youth Orchestra, I got to play with two international composers, among them was world renowned Polish composer JIMEK. We did a concert at Trademark hotel and it was really beautiful. That performance really inspired me to continue with SYO until I graduated,” says Feroz Shah, a viola player.
The viola is a string instrument that is bowed, plucked, or played with varying techniques. Slightly larger than a violin, it has a lower and deeper sound.
The exciting musical project that is the Safaricom Youth Orchestra is managed by the Art of Music foundation which is also home to the Ghetto Classics.
Watch the video below for the sights and sounds from the SYO graduation.
