This weekend, ten learners from St. Michael’s School and their music teacher will represent South Africa in the world’s largest marimba ensemble, as part of an official Guinness World Record attempt to break Guatemala’s current record of 505 participants.
Led by Tshedi Tsiu, the learners will join marimba players from across the country in Cape Town on Saturday (2/8) to play as a 1000-participant band in an attempt to break the current record. Musicians as young as six and as old as 60 will take part in the attempt.
“It is for them to look at the medal in the next 20 years and tell themselves that they did something,” she expressed.
Tsiu encouraged parents to continue supporting their children who aspire to take part in the extra-mural activities as it gives them an alternative outlet apart from social media. “There is something about learning an instrument and playing music, I would like to believe that it can heal them in their own journey,” she said.
Oreabetse Motshabi, a grade 10 learner said playing marimba has taught her to have fun more often and to trust herself. For her, the art of listening more than speaking is one of the valuable lessons she learnt while playing the instrument. “I am looking forward to playing with my team and the many awesome players, I am also looking forward to breaking limits I never thought I had,” she said.
Reatlehile Nene, a grade 11 learner who has been playing marimba for a year now, is just as excited to take on this challenge. “I did not think I would be part of making history. It is great to play with my team and the chemistry we have built over the last year is so amazing. We should go out there and rock it, and come home with gold,” she added.
The marimbian ensamble, Marimbas por Guate, achieved the Guinness World Record in 2021.
Gypseenia Lion
