ZDF Music graduates urged to set standard as ambassadors

GRADUATES from the Zimbabwe Military School of Music have been urged to be excellent ambassadors of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) when performing at various State functions that are open to the public as their conduct reflects on the dignity of the armed forces.

The Zimbabwe Military School of Music band usually perform at State functions such as the Independence Day celebrations, Heroes and Defence Forces Days among other public events.

Their melodious songs and live performances are a hit with the public. Yesterday, 63 graduates, drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) were awarded certificates after completing their courses in various music disciplines.

A total of 63 members of the ZDF graduated in three courses at Imbizo Barracks. Seventeen graduated in Drum Majors having started the course on July 1 and finishing on November 15.

The same number of graduates in the Senior Bandsman course commenced and finished at the same time. Another group of 29 Junior Bandsman course graduates started their lessons on January 16 and finished on November 15. Only three students from the Junior Bandsman course dropped out due to health complications.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Mbizo Barracks, ZNA Deputy Commander of One Infantry Brigade, Colonel Oscar Tshuma said the onus was now on the graduates to practically apply what they learnt from the school upon returning to their various formations and units.

“Remember you are now the ambassadors of the Military School of Music hence your conduct and performances will always reflect on the organisation. I urge you to work hard and constantly practice on instruments as individuals and as groups,” he said.

“The graduation marks the beginning of a long journey to your musical prowess and the knowledge that you have acquired serves as the base from which you can build your career.”

In the Senior Bandsman course, Corporal Mathias Mapfumo emerged as the best student while Corporal Valentine Bandawa came top of his class in the Drum Majors course.

Wilson Marthuis, from the AFZ was the best student in the Junior Bandsman course.

Col Tshuma said the graduation was testimony of the ZDF’s drive to academically empower members of the ZDF.

“This graduation ceremony signifies yet another successful milestone and advancement by the Military School of Music in line with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces training objectives to train bandsmen for the organisation for them to perform during ceremonial, military and social engagements,” he said.

“The effective training and management of these courses is a remarkable achievement by the Military School of Music in the training of senior and junior non-commissioned members.”