From December 9th to December 15 2007 a ‘‘Teach the Teacher’’ workshop was organized in Durban South Africa. Three experts from the Vlamo-showband including Wim De Vlaminck shared their knowledge and experience with some 70 bandleaders from the Field Band Foundation.

VLAMO is the Flemisch Amateur Music Organisation. Vlamo represents all the different bands of Flanders including windbands, brassbands, drumbands, showbands and string orchestras. It is a non-profit organisation at the service for the amateur musician. Vlamo organises workshops and competitions for the different disciplines. A national staff works in Ghent and 6 regional points in the different province.

Wim De Vlaminck a very respected percussionist and teacher in Belgium and serves as a voluntary staff member for the national commission for Vlamo. In March 2007 a Vlamo delegation went on a fact finding tour through South Africa. Based on their experiences and contacts with the Field Band Foundation, a project application was submitted to the Flemish minister of culture.

The project’s goal is to bring about an exchange of knowledge between Flanders and South Africa. A first phase will see the formation of bandleaders (‘tutors’) who will subsequently pass on the acquired knowledge to their band members, mostly children from underprivileged neighbourhoods (townships). Thanks to the additional means provided by the Flemish government, Vlamo is able for the next three years (2007-2009) to provide these workshops and exchanges. This project strengthens Vlamo’s international prestige and provides the opportunity to boost musical competence as well as the children’s outlook on life. For more information about Vlamo, go to www.vlamo.be