STORY: Orchestra academy develops young musical talents in Namibia
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 31, 2024
DATELINE: Jan. 5, 2025
LENGTH: 00:03:54
LOCATION: Windhoek
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of students in the academy
2. SOUNDBITE (English): GRETEL COETZEE, Director of Youth Orchestra of Namibia
3. various of the academy

STORYLINE:

The Youth Orchestras of Namibia (YONA) is nurturing young musical talent in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

Established in Windhoek in 2016, YONA has empowered more than 600 children, addressing Namibia's gap in training orchestra musicians.
   
YONA now offers lessons across three levels, from beginner string orchestras and choirs to advanced symphony ensembles. The range of instruments has also expanded to include the flute, piano, clarinet, and oboe, reflecting the increasing enthusiasm among the children.

SOUNDBITE (English): GRETEL COETZEE, Director of Youth Orchestras of Namibia
"I see that, so amazingly, you get some children who are really shy. And when they get confident in their instruments, they just play better and they just also are more confident in general in life. They are more confident in interacting with other people, speaking up, getting themselves heard, asking questions. So yes, they have definitely developed confidence in playing their instruments and also as a person. I think playing music really lifts the self-esteem."

Beyond the classroom, YONA creates opportunities for its students to showcase their talents on both local and international stages. It organizes orchestra events featuring collaborations with renowned artists, offering young musicians invaluable exposure to professional music environments. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Windhoek.
(XHTV)