Jostiband

Workshops – Making Music with Colors

The Jostiband will give free workshops at the music school in the Cultural Center Emmastad.

These workshops are specially designed for the general public and especially for people with disabilities, their families & caregivers. Using a colorful notation system, making music becomes fun and accessible for everyone.

There will also be a workshop specifically for music teachers on the island, enabling them to continue using the Jostiband’s unique color notation system in their own teaching and guidance. The general public is also welcome. Please register.

For the general public and especially for people with disabilities, their families & caregivers

Monday, October 6 at Cultural Center Emmastad
09:30 AM - 10:15 AM Sign-up here FULLY BOOKED
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Sign-up here
Wednesday, October 8 at Cultural Center Emmastad
09:30 AM - 10:15 AM Sign-up here
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Sign-up here

For music teachers & general public

Saturday, October 11 at Cultural Center Emmastad
09:30 AM - 10:15 AM Sign-up here
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Sign-up here

Get Ready for the Jostiband: Learn Music the Colorful Way!

The Jostiband is coming to Curaçao this October, and you don’t need to wait until the concerts to join in the fun—you can already start making music at home! The orchestra has created four playful and accessible “Kleurenmuziek” (Color Music) lessons on YouTube. These short videos show how anyone—whether young, old, beginner, or experienced—can make music using colors instead of traditional notes.

Here’s how you can prepare yourself and get in on the joy of music:

🎵 Lesson 1: How It Works

Music begins with silence. In this first lesson, you’ll discover how the Jostiband always starts calmly, then listens and sings together. Once you know the song, you’re ready to play!
👉 Watch Lesson 1

🎵 Lesson 2: Your Instrument

Get your instrument ready by adding colorful stickers to the right spots. This makes it easy to follow along and play the correct notes. With just a little preparation, you’ll be all set to make music!
👉 Watch Lesson 2

🎵 Lesson 3: Play a Song

Time to make music! Learn the classic song Frère Jacques (Vader Jakob) using the color system. No need to read sheet music—the colors show you exactly what to do. Try it out on a keyboard and play just like the Jostiband!
👉 Watch Lesson 3

🎵 Lesson 4: Melody and Rhythm

Now it’s time to take things a step further. Learn how to tell when a note is long or short and how melody and rhythm come together to create music.
👉 Watch Lesson 4

Curaçao meets Jostiband: Music connects, inspires, and surprises

From Friday, October 3 to Sunday, October 12, 2025, Curaçao will welcome the Jostiband.

Thanks to initiatives from the island, it has become possible for the Jostiband to make an inspiring musical and educational visit to Curaçao.

With the project “Curaçao meets Jostiband”, the orchestra shows that people with intellectual disabilities are often capable of much more than many think—and that making music is above all about joy, connection, and possibilities.

As part of their visit, the Jostiband will host a fundraising concert where audiences can experience their infectious energy and music first-hand, as well as workshops designed to share their unique “color music” method. These workshops will not only inspire participants with disabilities and their families but also provide valuable training for local music teachers, helping them learn new ways to make music accessible for everyone.

Read below for more info about the workshops and concert.

Music as a universal language

The Jostiband, part of the care organization Ipse de Bruggen, has for many years been living proof that people with intellectual disabilities can achieve great things.

Using music as a tool, talents are developed, personal growth is encouraged, and prejudices are broken down. Music brings people together and makes possibilities visible, regardless of someone’s disability.

Organizations in Curaçao have long shown interest in the Jostiband’s methods and experience. Thanks to collaboration with local partners and support from, among others, Corendon and Rotary Club Curaçao, this unique encounter is now becoming a reality.

The Jostiband in Concert

October 5, 7:00 PM – Brakkeput Mei Mei

Experience the world’s largest orchestra for people with intellectual disabilities live on stage!
The Jostiband brings joy, inspiration, and the power of music in an unforgettable evening filled with energy and emotion.

This special fundraising concert supports the development of future music projects in Curaçao—helping to create opportunities and lasting impact through music.

✨ Don’t miss this unique event!
🎟 Tickets available: Tickets

First Donation from the Cash for Care Project

💛 Your old “Nafjes” are making a difference!

Thanks to donations collected through Rotary’s Cash for Care project, the students of Kolegio San Dominico in Montagne are now enjoying a beautiful new playground set — the very first project funded by your contributions! 🎠✨

Every Antillean guilder donated helps Rotary support more community initiatives across Curaçao. 👉 Read the full story