On Sunday, 13 November 2022, citizens of Makana filled the Cathedral of St Michael and St George to experience the newly-formed Makana Community Orchestra's inaugural concert.

Electricity load shedding did not deter the Orchestra as musicians sat in the dimly lit Cathedral with battery-powered lights shining on their sheet music. Just after noon, the historical building showed off its resounding acoustics as the Makana Community Orchestra treated their audience to a stunning 45-minute show, including film music, boisterous marches, some Haydn and a sax and clarinet quintet.

The Orchestra comprises young and old community members from east and west of Makhanda and as far as Peddie, all playing alongside each other.

"What you see before you belongs to you," said the Conductor and Head of the Music Department at St Andrew's College, Mr Johan Pretorius. "This community project is by Makana for Makana."

According to the Head of the Music Department at Rhodes University, Dr Boudina McConnachie, she had the idea to start such an orchestra years ago. When she received seed funding from the Dean of Humanities' discretionary fund in September this year, the Orchestra committee immediately sent call-outs for prospective members. Orchestra members, which number around 60 people, hail from Rhodes University, Access Music Project, Dioecian School for Girls, Victoria Girls High School, Victoria Primary School, Kingswood College, Keiskamma Music Academy, and include several private individuals. Approximately 15 members are from Rhodes University, but not all are from the Music Department.

Director of Music at Kingswood College, Ms Nici Coleman, who is the Principal Trumpeter in the Orchestra, was one of those who received a call-out in September. Four of her learners and four fellow teachers from Kingswood are now also in the Orchestra.

Practice sessions commenced soon after the call-outs and have been taking place every Friday evening.

"It's become the best way to end my week," said Coleman. "Although everyone is exhausted by Friday evening, by the time our practice is over, I am so happy I went and look forward to the next one. I feel the same about Sunday's concert – it was so successful; I can't wait to perform in the next one."

According to Dr McConnachie, the seed funding covers the transport of members and a stipend for the Conductor, who is responsible for music selection and leading practice sessions, among other responsibilities. "However, from next year, the Orchestra will be self-sustaining, with profits from the concerts covering these costs," she explained. The audience turnout for the inaugural concert exceeded expectations.

Probably the most remarkable aspect of this orchestra is the benefits it provides – for both the audience and the members.

Dr McConnachie hopes that the Orchestra inspires more youngsters to take up an instrument, which will feed the Rhodes University Music Department.

Coleman has similar hopes regarding our youth. "Our Makana kids don't often get the opportunity to see a symphony orchestra, which is a pity since we teach them about orchestras at school level. With our own community orchestra, they can now experience it through watching a show which could even inspire them to want to be in it," she said.

As Director of Music, Coleman said she never gets the chance to play with her learners, but the Orchestra has provided this opportunity. "Not only do I get to play with them, but they get to play with me. They get to see how I perform in a 'professional' setting and learn from that. While I, on the other hand, must make sure I maintain that 'professionalism' in front of them because I am aware that they are watching me and emulating me," she explained.

For all those who missed the inaugural concert, or those who attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, Dr McConnachie has provided assurance that these concerts will become a regular event on the Makana calendar. "We plan on having one in March next year, so watch this space!" she concluded.