The Bizung School of Music and Dance provides the children of Tamale a safe environment to learn in, as well as the opportunity to share their cultural and musical traditions with other children around the world. Courses are currently offered in drumming, dance, xylophone, gonje, and vocals. For many students taking classes here is their first time attending a school of any kind, as there are currently no other tuition-free schools in the northern region of Ghana.
There is a deep-rooted tradition of music in Ghana that has been handed down by generations of musicians, this music has binded the culture and the people for centuries. The tradition and the music are becoming lost in the new generation. There are also no tuition-free schools in Ghana's northern region, due to the cost and financial hardship it places on families, many children are unable to attend classes of any kind.
The Bizung School of Music and Dance in Tamale, Ghana, hometown of PFC band member Mohammed Alidu. Alidu is the descendant of a 1,000-year lineage of drummer chiefs from the North of Ghana called the Bizungs. The school offers classes in traditional music and dance in a safe environment adapted to the study of different instruments. The music school is also the only tuition-free school in Northern Ghana, offering many children their first opportunity to attend a school of any kind.
There is a great need for the future of Ghana and Africa to teach the youth the music traditions and preserve it for future generations. The vital skills, experience, and self esteem children receive through learning music will carry them throughout their lives and help strengthen their culture and the country. Through the music school the students will also have the opportunity to learn other instruments, perform in the community, learn recording, song creation, and connect with kids globally.
