While looking through old newspaper clippings, I recently came across a wonderful article about a musical evening at the Willem de Zwijger College in Papendrecht, where both of my parents were teachers. The event brought together teachers and students for an “unplugged” evening of live music, long before that word became fashionable. 

My father, Wim Dolman, taught German, while my mother, Irmel Dolman, taught arts and crafts. Together they performed folk-inspired music. My father on accordion and my mother on violin. According to the newspaper, the audience enthusiastically joined in, creating an atmosphere that made the evening a great success. 

After the interval, my father returned to the stage alone. Besides being a teacher and amateur filmmaker, he also loved cabaret and performing his own humorous songs. The article describes how he had the audience laughing and singing along with one of his comic chansons. Proof that entertaining an audience was something he genuinely enjoyed. 

Looking back, it is perhaps not surprising that both my brother and I eventually chose a life in music. We grew up in a home where making music was simply part of everyday life, not only practicing and listening, but also sharing it with others from the stage.

Finding this article feels like discovering another small piece of the family story. It reminds me that the joy of performing has been present for generations.

‘Professionals’ Join Musical Forces

Willem de Zwijger College Goes ‘Unplugged’

PAPENDRECHT – On Thursday evening, Willem de Zwijger College went “unplugged.” Students and teachers, each deserving the label of true professionals, joined forces in a musical program in which amplifiers were nowhere to be seen.
It is difficult to say who was the highlight of the evening. Was it Maren Slieker, whose performance of Rachmaninoff’s Prelude sent shivers down the audience’s spine? Was it the teaching couple Wim and Irmel Dolman, performing folk-inspired music? Or was it the boogie-woogie playing teacher Cees de Bruijn?

Not to mention the student group Bacon & Beans, who performed without amplification for the first time, presenting both their own music and lyrics, along with many other talented performers.

Driving Force
The organiser and driving force behind this musical celebration, music teacher Willem van de Graaf, deserves every compliment. There was no shuffling of chairs, as the musical spectacle took place in the theatre. The audience was treated to a varied programme ranging from Brahms to percussion demonstrations, all performed by an equally diverse group of musicians.

Atmosphere
The evening opened with the school’s Big Band, immediately creating a lively atmosphere.
The mood became even more festive when Wim Dolman, teacher of German, and his wife Irmel, teacher of arts and crafts, took the stage armed with an accordion and violin respectively.
As soon as the music became more spirited, the audience enthusiastically joined in by clapping and drumming along, prompting Mrs Dolman to remark afterwards:
“We have a very musical audience.”
And indeed, the school certainly did not lack musical talent.

Concerts
Willem van de Graaf explained: “Most of these students have had lessons with me, so you quickly notice when someone has real talent. But of course, the students themselves deserve the credit. We’ve organised lunchtime concerts before, but this surpasses everything. Everything is running smoothly, and judging by tonight’s success, there may well be a sequel.”

After the interval, Wim Dolman returned to the stage, this time on his own. He showed that his musical talents extended beyond folk music with a humorous cabaret performance. His comic song, ‘Oh, Oh, What a Fuss, She Fell in Love with Her Father’s Coachman,’ not only had the audience laughing, but soon everyone was enthusiastically singing along with the refrain.
The Big Band, which had opened the evening, also brought the successful musical programme to a close.