During the month of May 2023, recorder jamborees were held in several congregations all around the Northern Cape - Free State Apostle Area. The goal of the Recorder Jamboree was to instill a love of music in our Sunday School children and demonstrate to them that one can serve Christ by loving Him through music.

Recorder players and musicians from the Kimberley Central and Hopetown Districts in the Northern Cape - Free State Apostle Area convened at Beaconsfield Congregation on Saturday, May 13, 2023, for a recorder jamboree. Apostle W Von Schaeffer opened the jamboree with prayer. Sister Shirley De Jager then presented the performers to the audience, comprising 55 recorder players, a small orchestra, a piano, and an organ. 

Members in attendance enthusiastically praised each beautifully rendered item. A highlight was when the Apostle joined the children and played one anthem with them. He urged learners to continue practising and improving their skills. He encouraged them to always play their recorders at home, especially the evening before divine services, and to play during services in their different congregations.

On the same day, recorder jamborees were held in several other regions. In Virginia Congregation, the Bloemfontein District hosted a Recorder Jamboree. A combined choir, an adult and child recorder group, and a children's choir all made up the performers of the day, playing a variety of musical selections! 

Heidedal District's Recorder Jamboree attracted a sizable audience and was warmly received. Recorder players from Heidedal, Wiegandia, and Rodenbeck entertained the audience. 

In the Kuruman District, the Recorder Jamborees conducted in the Kuruman and Kathu congregations were equally successful. 

We encourage all to continue with their efforts and look forward to having the second Jamboree of the year in September 2023.