Paul Bothner Music, Laney Amplification and Zildjian Cymbals are three companies with a long-standing history of backing music education initiatives. Recently, they teamed up to donate a selection of instruments to the Amy Biehl Foundation’s Music Programme.

 Having contributed to the Foundation’s music programme before and seen the
Read More: Paul Bothner Music & Partners donate to Amy Biehl Foundation]]>

 Paul Bothner Music, Laney Amplification and Zildjian Cymbals are three companies with a long-standing history of backing music education initiatives. Recently, they teamed up to donate a selection of instruments to the Amy Biehl Foundation’s Music Programme.

 Having contributed to the Foundation’s music programme before and seen the excellent results they achieved, Paul Bothner Music jumped at the chance for further involvement. A selection of guitars, Laney amplification and PA equipment, as well as drum kits and other items were donated by the Laney family and Paul Bothner Music. Missing from the mix were some quality cymbals and it was here that Zildjian cymbals stepped up to the plate, donating some of their products for use with the drum kits.

 The Amy Biehl Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, whose programmes are designed to develop and empower 5-18 year old youth in the townships and contribute to community building efforts as a mechanism to reduce the levels of crime, gangs, drug abuse, HIV Aids and violence in these areas and to give these children a brighter future.  The Amy Biehl provides educational and cultural activities that offer students healthy alternatives to crime, drugs, sex, idleness and negative influences and unlocks their creative talent, with the aim of giving them opportunities to become future leaders, entrepreneurs and well rounded citizens in a global society. Their programmes currently reach over 1 600 children every week, and include: 

• After School Care
• Music including Violin, Guitar, Recorder, Marimba, Choral Singing and Brass
• HIV/AIDS Peer Education & Prevention
• Creative Arts including Painting, Beading, Drama and Dance – Kwaito, Modern, Contemporary, Traditional and Ballet
• Greening and Environment
• Youth Reading Role Model Literacy
• Computer literacy and filming
• Sport including soccer, hockey, swimming, diving, netball, kickboxing, cricket and the only Golf Driving Range in a township

These programmes place a focus on the creative side of the children’s brains, and supplement the shortcomings of the educational systems. There are great inadequacies in the impoverished township schools in which they work, creating a dire need for their programmes. During the course of the school day, many students are not given the opportunity to tap into the creative side of their brain. Through these programmes, children supplement what they learn during the course of the school day with creative programmes that let them express themselves and think freely in an imaginative environment. Providing these students with meaningful opportunities, helps the economy, since the next generation will be better equipped to deal with the challenges of tomorrow. In addition, the Foundation is committed to the spirit of Ubuntu and restorative justice issues in South Africa and internationally.

If you’d like to contact someone at the foundation, try Ilchen Retief in Public Relations, the Events & Fundraising Manager on 021 462 5052. Log on to www.amybiehl.co.za for more information on their programmes.