Festival Notes

Community Events

This year, as in past years, the festival hopes to foster an appreciation not only of Zimbabwean music, but also of Zimbabwean people — their language, culture, and history. In addition, we aim to provide information about the current crises in Zimbabwe and about ways in which we can help out, both individually and as a community. We also want to provide forums of general interest.

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To this end, we have decided to offer several classes “by donation” (with the suggested donation being $5). By creating the donation system, we hope to make these offerings available to more people. Most of these classes still have size limits so they will fill on a first-come first-served basis. You cannot pre-register for these classes!

For a full description, click the links below, or see the Workshop Descriptions area.

The Mbira Orchestra of Garikayi Tirikoti

Michel & Rosa
#1 Fri. 9:30-11:00

AIDS in Zimbabwe: Overview and the Role of the Musician

Pride Chigwedere
#5 Sat. 1:00-3:00

Beginning Shona Language

Peter Masundire
#6 Sat. 4:00-5:30 pm
#7 Sun. 9:30-11:00 am

Circle of Shona Life

Fradreck Mujuru
#3 Fri. 4:00-5:30 pm

Zimbabwe Today: A Fresh Look

Cosmas Magaya and Jaiaen Beck
#2 Fri. 1:00-2:30 pm

Why Do We Hold a Bira?

Cosmas Magaya
#7 Sun. 10:30-11:30 am

What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body

Barbara Conable
#4 Sat. 9:30-11:30 am

Marimba Builder’s Forum

Carl Dean
#5 Sat. 1:00-3:00 pm

Children’s Programming And Notes To Parents

There are classes specifically for children scattered throughout the festival (see Children & Family). CHILDREN UNDER 8 MUST HAVE AN ADULT ACCOMPANYING THEM FOR ANY WORKSHOP. This year, we have changed the fee schedule. If the adult is only there to supervise the child and is not himself or herself taking the class, then only the child will be charged the class fee.

Children over age 8 are welcome to register for adult workshops provided they meet the prerequisites for the class. Please consider the child’s attention span and comfort level.

There will be no formal childcare facilities at the festival. If you choose to bring a child to a workshop or other event, please understand that it is your responsibility, out of respect for the teachers and other participants, to leave with that child if his or her needs are causing a distraction. A young child accompanying you in a workshop in which you are a participant must be prepared to sit quietly, and may not participate in the class.

Volunteers Requested

Each year the Zimbabwean Music Festival is run entirely by volunteers. We need tons of volunteers to help before, during, and after the Festival to make it happen. It’s a great way to get to know others in the music community and the feel-good-by-doing-good benefit is a free bonus!

We are asking that each participant donate 2 hours of volunteer time. On Thursday before the festival we need help with set-up including for instruments, signage and decorations. During the festival we need help to: move instruments and equipment; assist with workshops; staff registration table; be a “go-fer”; set up stage equipment; take concert tickets; provide concert security; clean up after concerts. On Monday, after the festival, we need help to tear down.

Please look over the list of volunteer opportunities on the Registration Form and choose the area(s) you are interested in. Someone (another volunteer!) will contact you. If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities, email Cary Pinard (cary@zimfest.org). We will do our best to make your volunteer experience fun and rewarding, but we cannot offer trades for your time.

Global Village Meeting And Zimbabwean Guest Forum

Sunday 11:45am–1:00pm

The usual topic for the first part of the Village meeting is deciding the site of the next year’s festival. However, we encourage all of you to think about the site for 2004 now! We have found several areas of planning that benefit from having more than one year’s lead-time (e.g. grant applications and musician sponsorships).

This year we have tried to find a time when everyone can attend the village forum and so it will be held in the amphitheatre (outdoors) over lunch. Bring your ideas about this festival, about Zimfest 2004, and about the community as a whole. Listen to Zimbabwean guests reflect on their experiences. All are welcome!