The Kopeyia Brass Band of Aflao in the Volta region
The German Federal Foreign Service, in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut, has donated eighteen pieces of musical instruments to the Kopeyia Junior High School in the Volta Region.
The donation was made in support of the educational music program dubbed “Music Works!” initiated by German pianist and composer Jo Junghanss in 2010 to provide free music lessons and training for students from ages 10 to 18 years; which led to the creation of the Kopeyia School Brass Band in 2011 after proficiency level of participants grew significantly.
Addressing the gathering at the presentation ceremony in Accra, the German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E Rüdiger John said that Germany identifies cultural relations as a “cornerstone” in its bilateral relations with other countries.
According to him, along with political and economic relations, cultural relations is viewed as a very significant way of strengthening ties with other countries, citing this as a reason why the Goethe-Institut plays an crucial role in Germany’s cultural foreign policy, language education, and international cultural cooperation.
“Cultural programs not only create broad basis for stable international relations but also builds trust in our country around the world” he said.
Ambassador Ruediger John hands over instrument to leader of the Kopeyia Brass Band. With them is Mr. Jo Junghanss
Ambassador John therefore stressed Germany’s commitment towards preserving cultural diversities by promoting art exhibitions, theatre, dance, literature, film and particularly music, adding that the latter transcended linguistics, religious, ethnic and cultural boundaries.
“The success of the [Music Works] project indeed proves that melody, rhythm and harmony have the power to connect people across countries, continents and the world” he observed.
In celebration of the instrument donation, the Kopeyia School Brass Band gave a concert on Thursday, July 24th 2014 at the Goethe-Institut in Accra. The students performed a mixture of traditional Ewe music and German melodies. The instruments were officially handed over by German Ambassador Rüdiger John.
By: Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call
