In my work, I often think about change – how to manage it, inspire it, and lead it. But changing the systems within which we operate often involves changing minds and shifting paradigms.

Last Friday, the Calgary Arts Development team had the opportunity to have breakfast with Johann Zietsman, Executive Director of the Mesa Arts Center. Johann shared a story with us that I feel illustrates how the arts, and field bands specifically, can be a powerful catalyst in shifting paradigms and transforming lives.

Originally from South Africa, Johann discovered the American drum corps while in Ithaca, NY completing graduate studies in music. Johann adapted the US drum corps model to create a South African field band program. His vision was to improve the lives of the community, specifically the children in South African townships, through band music. Since its inception, Zietsman’s program, now funded through the through the Field Band Foundation has transformed countless South African communities, through changing the minds and impacting the lives of one young leader at a time.

Want to know more? Read an article about Johann’s field band program at drumcorpsworld.com or watch a video and listen to a sound clip at www.fieldband.org.za.