When it was announced that John Roos, Director of the Unisa Music Foundation, would retire at the end of 2011, guests at the final of the 4th Unisa National Piano Competition, rose to their feet and applauded the career of a man who has contributed immeasurably to music education in South Africa.
Roos, in his humble nature, thanked everyone for their kindness, saying he could not believe that he had already reached this point in his career. In his interview, Roos talks about his incredible journey with Unisa, his plans for the future and his vision and dreams for a music foundation he holds dearly to his heart.
Roos’ love for music began early on in his life. He received his initial music training at the Rustenburg Music Conservatoire in South Africa winning trophies and scholarships for his achievements as pianist. He obtained his BMus degree from the University of Pretoria in 1967 under the guidance of Hennie Joubert and in 1968 was awarded the coveted Unisa Overseas Music Scholarship for Teachers.
Having started at Unisa’s then department of music examinations in 1972, Roos was a man passionate about expanding and changing the face of music at the university. In 1990, after serving as Director of the department of music, he established the Unisa Music Foundation to promote music in all its forms and expressions at Unisa, as well as in Southern Africa. “I felt that just doing music examinations was not enough and that we needed a deeper dimension to music at Unisa … I thought it would be great to have music concerts, national and international music competitions as well as community music education projects.”
Roos describes working with new and upcoming talent as a “very rewarding” part of his job. “It is very satisfying for me to see new talent come to fruition.” With regards to the talent found in the townships, Roos says: “Never underestimate the talent coming out of the townships. The people we have worked with react positively to music education and the minute they are given the opportunity, they succeed … Our best exports are not coal and gold, but our voices.”
On working for Unisa, Roos says: “Unisa is a wonderful employer and I have always enjoyed working here. Apart from the good working conditions and benefits, Unisa’s management have always been forthcoming in providing good venues for music shows and concerts and for acquiring wonderful new instruments. This is a sign that Unisa really cares for music and music education and I hope that continues in the future.”
Roos says over the years, he has had the privilege of working with many people who are passionate about music. “From the various Unisa principals and vice-chancellors; to my colleagues at Unisa press, library services, corporate communication and marketing as well as my colleagues in the music department, I have worked with many wonderful people.”
As Roos is dedicated to promoting young musicians, he would like to start a music finishing school at his home in his private concert room. He also looks forward to travelling.
His hopes the music foundation will continue to flourish with its competitions, music concerts and community engagement initiatives and urges the Unisa community to deepen its support for music. He also hopes that management will continue to view music in the high regard that they currently do. “My vision is for Unisa to have a pan-African music competition, so music can transcend all our borders. The last pan-African competition was in 1995 and I really hope that it can happen … Being involved with music exams and the music foundation has enriched my life and broadened my vision. I have learnt that music has no borders and I wish for this notion to expand so that music can become accessible to all who have talent.”
*Focus, August 2011
