Musical transmission in the Christmas bands in the Western Cape, South Africa

What is it about?

In this article I discuss various musical literacies used by the Christmas bands during their move from an essentially oral practice to a literate one. Historically, music was passed down orally and generationally, which ensured the preservation of a locally distinctive band sound. The article investigates whether this unique sound will be compromised with the adoption of newer teaching methods attached to reading staff notation and the inclusion of university-trained musicians as instructors and directors of the bands.

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