With the energy and enthusiasm only a group of kids could bring, these youngsters continually captivate their audiences with skill and professionalism beyond their years. Members build musicianship skills while also developing an understanding of African music and cultures. The ensembles are an excellent opportunity for teens to see firsthand how commitment and dedication can produce amazing results. Students meet once (Vana Vedu) or twice (Shamwari and Tamba!) weekly to rehearse and refine material and skills. Students in this program start by taking weekly, one-hour group marimba classes. When instructors feel students are ready, students are invited to participate in a twice weekly, two-hour youth performance audition class to prepare them for the rigors (and fun!) of a much larger commitment. When openings become available in the youth performance program, selected children are invited to join. This process is a long-term commitment and children in this program rarely leave before graduating from high school, when they also graduate from the youth performance program.