Ghetto Classics, Kenia

During the workshops it turned out that a lot of basic information is missing - and above all sufficient instrumental teachers. The children and young people asked countless questions about harmony, bowing technique, playing in register, interpretation, how do I tune my violin, how do I play staccato and the supposedly simple-sounding question: How do I practice? It seemed like thousands of questions of the young string players had to remain unanswered, because there was not enough time to answer them all during the workshops. Angelika therefore looked for a way for the children to receive lessons even after Salut Salon had left. The Internet provided the solution: the children and young people had their questions answered weekly via Skype by instrumental teachers from Germany. The lessons were financed from the proceeds of several benefit concerts given by Salut Salon in Nairobi and by the foundation "Chancen für Kinder".

The first class of six students quickly grew into large string groups. Playing an instrument is now considered really cool in Korochogo.

Ghetto Classics is supported by the Art of Music Foundation. Due to the great success of Ghetto Classics, there are now many orchestras and ensembles in Kenya. But not enough conductors. That's why conductor Anna-Sophie Brüning, with the support of Salut Salon and the foundation "Opportunities for Children", is again giving workshops for young conductors in Nairobi in 2023. Tutors and ensemble leaders will be trained with the aim that the children and young people will be able to guide themselves. The idea is to go through the entire process of preparation with the conductors, then jump into practice together and try out their skills at a moderated concert.

However, there is not only a lack of teachers at the landfill, but also of instruments. Initially, there were only four instruments for 14 children, who had to take turns practicing. Salut Salon was able to purchase 50 violins with the proceeds from benefit concerts in Germany, and Lufthansa Cargo and the Otto Group sponsored the transport to Kenya. For security reasons, however, the instruments cannot be taken home by the students, but remain on the cordoned-off grounds of St. John's Church, the place where lessons and rehearsals take place. The children can only borrow them for practice during the day because of nighttime curfews.

In addition to music lessons, the musicians are also paid for their school fees and uniforms, and receive assistance with living expenses, because they really do lack for everything.

Art of Music and Ghetto Classics are about giving children and young people the opportunity to take on responsibility and develop a perspective for their lives other than collecting garbage. Not everyone who learns violin at Ghetto Classics becomes a violinist. But he or she is guaranteed to graduate from school and thus create the conditions for getting out of the slum. Music promotes discipline and awakens unexpected passion - music can be the beginning of everything.