SIMCHA ACADEMY OF ARTS

P.O Box 517
Eerste River
7103
Tel: (021) 904 0095
Cell: 079 609 0213

Teaching Staff

Director:
Mrs Maria Dhana

Teaching Staff:

Mrs. Maria Dhana HDE (BTC) Music – piano

Mr. Lester Le Roux Bmus (honours) ATCL London – piano

Mr. Robert Cupido HDE4, Ps Music, B. Ed (Honours) UWC – recorder, oboe

Mr. Hadley Duminy Bmus (honours) UCT – violin

Mr. Hadley Veldsman Bmus UCT - Guitar

Mr. Lee Blaauw Higher National Dimploma Music Scotland – Drumkit

Mr. Byron Carr Diploma in Jazz Studies UCT – Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone

Miss Lara Block Bmus UCT – cello

Introduction to the Simcha Academy of Arts

The lack of music provision to the schools and the associated disadvantaged communities in the Northern Suburb areas is a major concern. As a result we find that many school learners end up leaving school without the opportunity of ever having experienced the joy and pleasure of playing a musical instrument. It is with this situation in mind that the Simcha Academy of Arts was founded by Mrs. Maria Dhana. The name “Simcha” was chosen for the academy as it means “joy”, which symbolizes the joy that music brings to people.

The Academy aims to provide the opportunity for learners to receive musical tuition at a facility within their community. The Academy has been well received by the community, with over 100 registered learners (children and adults). Many of our learners are entered into Unisa, Trinity, Royal schools exams where they have excelled. Some learners have been listed on Unisa’s Roll of honour for excellent achievements in their exam.

Currently the Academy is located on the premises of Malibu High School where 3 classes are rented for tuition.

Current Tuition offered:

Piano and Keyboard (Classical and Jazz)
Violin
Cello
Recorder
Oboe
Trumpet
Trombone
Theory
Guitar (Classical and Jazz)
Drumkit

Current Ensembles:

Jazz Band
Rock Band
String Quartet
Gospel Band
Recorder Ensemble
Brass Band

Funding and Donations

For many disadvantaged communities, funding always presents a huge challenge. For the Academy to grow, the Academy needs the support of donors and sponsors.

Currently we are planning on acquiring our own premises for the Academy, as our current rented location limits us in terms of how many students we can accommodate.

Here is a list of things the Simcha Academy is in need of:

Instruments and music stands (pianos, trumpets, piano benches, Drumkit, etc)
Stationery
Mini bus (transportation of learners to Academy, Concerts etc)
Music Books
PA System (used for concerts and ensembles)
Kitchen utilities used in staff room (Kettle, microwave, etc.)
Computer and printer
Funding (investors, sponsors)

Some of Simcha Academy's Goals for 2010

Acquiring venue which is adequate for the Academy’s needs
Simcha Concert series (performance concerts by staff and learners)
Master classes and workshops given by Simcha staff
Acquiring minibus for transportation needs
Performances at disadvantaged schools in the area
Establishment of Simcha Symphony Orchestra
Establishment of Simcha Choir
Woodwinds, marimba, steel pans Tuition

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