A fourth-year Stellenbosch University (SU) BMus student recently held a concert to raise funds for a new flute after her flute was stolen.
A fourth-year BMus student at Stellenbosch University, Amber Abrahams, performing at a recent fundraiser concert that she organised to replace her stolen flute, according to Abrahams. PHOTO: Ntokozo Khumalo
Amber Abrahams told SMF News that her Di Zhao flute was stolen from her locker in the music department in 2023.
Fellow students from the SU music department participated in the fundraiser, which was held at the Fismer Hall in the Stellenbosch Conservatorium on 12 April 2024, said Abrahams.
Genres that featured during the concert included classical, jazz, and amapiano, said Abrahams.
About 116 people attended the fundraiser. Abrahams said that she managed to raise enough money to replace the stolen flute.
More than just a fundraiser
“The reason why I said yes to playing [at the concert] was I am a musician myself,” said Nathaniel Gates, an SU student who is currently studying towards an Advanced Diploma in Practical Music. “I felt […] for her, and when it comes to helping another musician… anytime.”
“A lot of students that were playing were not even playing their main instruments that they study,” said Abrahams.
Stellenbosch University fourth-year BMus student Amber Abrahams performing a jazz set in the Stellenbosch Conservatorium at a recent fundraiser that she organised to raise funds for a new flute after her flute was stolen. PHOTO: Ntokozo Khumalo
Inspiration for the concert
Abrahams used to be a dancer, and when there was a need for financial assistance in competitions, she would perform in fundraising events, said Abrahams. This inspired the idea of a fundraiser for a new flute, she said.
“I thought, why not do an event with students in the building that I am literally with every – day that I am [friends] with – and show each other’s talents,” said Abrahams.
Various musicians participated in the fundraising concert. These musicians included Ariane van Wyk, Kyle Damons, Kerwin Albertus, Clayton Jacobs, Samuel Carelse, Nathaniel Gates, Amber Abrahams, Jason September, Rorisang Rampitsang, Laudice Domingos Joshua America, Robert Odendaal, Lisa van Wyk, Carin Donson and Cornèl Engelbrecht, according to Abrahmas. PHOTO: Ntokozo Khumalo
Camaraderie in the music department
The musician pool in the Stellenbosch community is small, and thus musicians are bound to cross paths wherever they have performances, according to Jason September, a vocal performance honours student, and master of ceremonies at the fundraiser. This also cultivates a sense of camaraderie within the department.
“When it comes to actually helping someone when they need help, one thing about my department is that we will always pull through,” said September.