Safaricom Youth Orchestra marks 9th graduation ceremony

2 April 2023

Under the theme ‘Let The Music Flow’ the event sought to highlight the role of music in uplifting spirits, especially after the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nairobi, Kenya 2^nd April 2023… Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today marked its ninth Safaricom Youth Orchestra graduation ceremony at an event held at Jalaram Auditorium on Sunday 2^nd April 2023.

During the ceremony, 16 graduates were awarded certificates in orchestral music after successfully learning to make music from various instruments ranging from the flute, alto sax, trumpet and violin.

The event, which was anchored around this year’s theme, ‘Let The Music Flow’, saw the graduands persuaded to keep making music beyond their school days as the world is continuously in need of the sound they produce.

“As we celebrate nine years of the Safaricom Youth Orchestra, we continue to witness the transformational power of music, and how it has continued to uplift the lives of our gifted young musicians. Through the universal language of music, we have seen first-hand how it can bridge divides, bring people together and fill our communities with hope.” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.

Formed in 2014, the Safaricom Youth Orchestra aims to provide quality orchestral musical instruction to Kenyan school-aged children aged 10-17 years drawn from different backgrounds. The Orchestra provides the youth with an opportunity guided by some of Kenya’s finest musicians and music directors. The orchestra draws 60% of its students from public schools, and 40% from private schools. So far, over 170 students have graduated and progressed to pursue their university education to specialise in different disciplines.  

“We are extremely proud of our Class of 2023. Through structure, discipline, and excellence, you have made it this far, and we look forward to seeing you all achieve your dreams. By partnering with some of Kenya’s finest musicians and music directors, we are committed to transforming the lives of young talented musicians through music.” Said Elizabeth Njoroge, Founder – Art of Music.

This year’s applications to join the Safaricom Youth Orchestra ends on 10^th April for the class starting in May 2023. Successful candidates will be shortlisted and called for physical auditions in April by the music directors and tutors through a combination of theoretical and practical tests. The call for the physical audition to join the orchestra will be made before 22^nd April.