The picturesque Overberg village Genadendal was founded in 1738 as a Moravian mission station, the oldest in South Africa. It is also home to the well-known Genadendal Brass Band.
The band can proudly trace its origins back to 1838, when the first seminary was established in Genadendal, training students as ministers and teachers, and where playing a brass instrument was part of the curriculum. The first concert was held on Easter 1856.
The Brass Band recorded two records in the late 70’s as well as a CD in 2009. Members of the Brass Band also participated in two tours to Germany with the BBSA (Broederkerk Blaserbond van Suid-Afrika/Moravian Brass Band Union of South Africa) and also undertook a tour to Germany in 2004.
The bands’ obligation is firstly to the church and matters of the church such as playing at church services, funerals and weddings will always receive priority.
They are, however, no strangers to performing with well-known musicians such as the legendary Abdullah Ibrahim’s M5 Jazz Academy.
In October 1995 they had the honour to play for Nelson Mandela during his visit to Genadendal. In 2020 they featured in the “Voetspore” and “Elders” television programmes and did a recording with the well-known Afrikaans rapper Simon “Hemelbesem” Witbooi.
Being part of the brass band is almost a family tradition. Basil Carelse, who has been a member of the band for 51 years, told Hermanus Times: “Genadendal is a small town and we often have family members in the band. Most members had grandfathers or fathers in the band.
“In my case I had uncles as well as my grandmother’s brothers who played in the band. Apart from me there are two other members who have been in the band for more than 50 years.”
In years gone by the band had women regularly playing in the band, but currently dentist Dr Yada van der Heyde is the only female band member.
Apart from the annual “Jubilate” church service in May, the yearly road trip, on which they play at old-age homes in Cape Town, Caledon and Grabouw as well as at a hospital, is a highlight for the band.
“This is to express our gratitude to God,” Carelse explained.
“There is keen interest among the youth. We have a small group of beginners and will hopefully incorporate them in the main band next year. The high cost of the instruments, however, is a hurdle that is holding us back a bit.
“Our band is especially blessed. We stand on the shoulders of giants. We are obligated to passionately, and to the glory of God, carry on this legacy.”
The band’s year-end Christmas concert will take place at the Moravian Church in Genadendal on Sunday 22 December at 12:00. Tickets at R50 each are available at the Greyton Tourism office or from any band member. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the concert (cash only). For information about the concert contact Carelse on 072 852 1579.
