Reported by Prof Chris van Rhyn
The Faculty of Humanities hosted an enriching International Spring School from 16–20 September 2024 at the Khaya iBhubesi Conference Centre near Parys. This event brought together scholars, students, and professionals to engage in workshops and presentations that fostered academic collaboration and innovative thinking.
The participation of MASARA’s staff members and students contributed significantly to the Spring School’s vibrant atmosphere. Prof Chris van Rhyn [above, 2nd from left] led a workshop titled “Interactive short presentations and discussions of research ideas,” which encouraged participants to collaboratively share and refine their research concepts and conference presentations. This interactive approach was highly praised, as it facilitated dynamic discussions and fostered a sense of community among attendees. Prof Liesl van der Merwe, with the assistance of Prof Ewie Erasmus, conducted a workshop on ATLAS.ti 24. This workshop gave participants essential skills for organising and analysing research data, enhancing their methodological toolkit. Prof Janelize Morelli’s seminar on “Sonic methodologies in the humanities and social sciences” gave attendees an innovative perspective on sound as a research medium. Her insights into auditory experiences enriched the discussions and opened new avenues for exploration in the humanities.
The Spring School also showcased the fantastic work of MASARA’s students. Prof Mignon van Vreden [above, left] and her students Annabel Marais (PhD) and Tina Stodart (MMus) [above, 3rd and 4th from left] delivered compelling paper presentations. Prof van Vreden’s paper, “Exploring the meaning music students ascribe to developing pedagogical practices through AI-generated learning experiences in the Groovy Glockenspiels Project,” offered valuable insights into the intersection of music education and technology. Annabel Marais presented her paper, “The stories musicians tell about their music-making experiences in chamber ensembles,” highlighting the narrative aspects of musicianship and the personal connections formed within ensemble settings. Tina Stodart’s paper, “Exploring the meaning selected members of River Groove Collective ascribe to music-making through a CoMP lens,” provided an in-depth analysis of collaborative music-making practices, enhancing the discourse on community and creativity in music. Additionally, Wilhelm van den Berg [above, right], a fourth-year BMus student, attended the event.
MASARA’s involvement in the Spring School exemplifies its commitment to academic excellence and nurturing the next generation of scholars and practitioners. The positive feedback from participants underscores the impact of this gathering, paving the way for future collaborations and continued engagement in the humanities.
