A dynamic scene of various young male musicians from Moeng College in Botswana, playing guitar, recorder and flute, watched by peers. The photograph was taken in July 1960.

Take a look at the photograph

This is a photograph of a group of high school boys, probably aged about 15-16, gathered informally outside a school building. Some have instruments, such as a guitar or a pipe, others are singing. Some boys are just looking on and laughing. For most, there is a sense of fun and showing off!

Listen to the audio description

This is a photograph of a group of High school boys probably aged about 15-16 gathered informally outside a school building. Some have instruments, such as a guitar or a pipe, others are singing. Some boys are just looking on and laughing. For most, there is a sense of fun and showing off!

Click on the image to enlarge for more detail

A guide for helpers

To encourage further reflection on each photograph, we’ve provided additional suggestions for care workers or helpers to use with individuals or with groups.

Read our guide for helpers

What do you think?

    1. How much are these boys posing? What do you think happened just before and after this photograph was taken? Who are the dominant or most popular characters, do you think? Who is most like you in personality?
    2. Can you identify some of the instruments being played in this image? What other instruments might be used to play in a band?
    3. Have you ever played or sung in a band? What instrument did you play? Did you play in public or just for fun? What did you enjoy about it?
    4. Does this image remind you of a celebration or an occasion when you heard live music? Tell us about it or discuss with a friend. How do you most enjoy listening to music now?
    5. Listen to this interview with Marcus (or read the transcript here). Does this change the way you view the image now?

    Listen to the audio description

Did you know?

Do you know the name of the tall instrument held by the boy in the centre of the image?

Listen to the audio description