Swedish Sax Quartet (bet you were surprised to see that title!)

Happy Friday all! Our ACT MUSIC students enjoyed a special visit on April 8th, 2023 from a saxophone quartet coming all the way from Sweden. More cultural sharing which is part of ACT's vision.


Job Ivan Tezigatwa, who brought the quartet to Muko, is a composer, arranger and conductor from Uganda. He had heard the ACT MUSIC students in 2022 and helped facilitate this workshop. The students learned about the saxophone and heard it played by professionals. All musicians played together, each teaching the others how to join together with their prepared music. Job Ivan arranged two pieces, "Bagatelle Variations by Anton Diabelli and "Beethoven is a Mukiga" from Beethoven's "Fur Elise" for saxophone quartet and string orchestra. (Mukiga is the reference to a single member of the Bakiga Tribe which are the people of Muko). 

The string students were taught by their two student leaders, Brave Ainmaani and Norbert Ahariza, and the students were easily able to fit together with the quartet. The quartet also played a piece and were surprised that the students knew it! Our Muko strings taught the saxophonists to join in their local music. A concert was given in the Muko High School chapel (during heavy rain!) for students and staff who remained at the school - a smaller number because many students had gone home for the Easter holiday. When rain beats on the tin roof, the sound is extremely powerful - for those of you who have traveled to Uganda you have certainly experienced this! Videos were difficult to record because of the rain but Teacher Mathias is still working to edit them so we can hear more of their work. 

Guma with Job and the Quartet


Our students played two local tunes, the meanings being "Visitors Welcome" and "God is Good" and also some works from their orchestral literature. How grateful we are to our former teacher, Keneth Nahabwe, who connected us with Job Ivan and our new friends from Sweden. Thanks to our Muko High School staff for their support during the holiday weekend.

And comments from Job Ivan following the visit:

"The quartet and I had an amazing time at Muko HS. Thank you for being open to this collaboration and preparing the students. The quartet enjoyed learning how to play traditional tunes by the rote method. They were thrilled by the discipline and willingness to try, patience and positive attitude throughout the sessions. I look forward to working with you in the future!"

And, here is a video of them playing together!

Brave with 2 of the quartet members

If you are interested in donating to the ACT MUSIC program so that the kids can attend music camps throughout the year, please click HERE.

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 15, 2023 at 12:43 AM

    I love the transformation that ACT is really impacting amongst my people in muko community...you're a gem indeed.I keep looking forward to be part of your work 🙏🙏🙏

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 15, 2023 at 4:18 AM

    What an awesome experience for the students to see where their musical talent can take them. Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Generous Tumuhimbise TurinaweApril 18, 2023 at 2:11 AM

    All the glory to God for the continued connections! God continues to open doors for ACT!

    ReplyDelete

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