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The College offers lessons in piano, violin, recorder, keyboard,
guitar, fife and drum kit to the Junior Preparatory learners.
These lessons enable them to explore music specific to an
instrument, studying their background and opening up oppor-
tunities for self-expression. Reward programmes encourage
learners to achieve on a weekly basis thereby promoting hard
work, discipline and commitment.
Performance platforms are created in the form of a dedicated
Junior Preparatory music recital once a year, where musical
items are performed in the hall. This event allows the learners
to experience the stage of a big hall, but in a safe environment
and with an accepting audience.
Those playing orchestral instruments are strongly encour-
aged to take part in the orchestra. This has been growing
steadily and it is always encouraging to see how the young
learners take to such a group activity.
The sense of unity created by such a music body is very
evident and the learners absorb different musical styles, whilst
allowing their personal talents to contribute towards a high
standard of performance.
In order to take part in the Orff Groups, learners are not
required to take an individual music instrument. The College
has three groups and each group runs at an age-appropriate
rate to ensure the group moves forward as a unit. The standard
and expectation is raised for the older year groups in order to
ensure that the learners gain the maximum benefits of these
accessible instruments.
It is often said that the voice is the most natural instrument.
There is no better way to utilise that than in a choir. The Junior
Preparatory Choir continues to grow and open up music in its
most natural state. Special vocal techniques are used to ensure
the learners know how to use the voice correctly and how to
protect it. The choir provides life and vibrancy at events such
as music recitals, awards ceremonies and special events.
The individual music offering expands in the Senior Prepara-
tory and includes piano, violin, guitar, recorder, fife, flute, clarinet,
saxophone and drum kit. The focus continues towards techni-
cal development but also includes a high level of independence.
Accountability for the learners is increased as further musical
aspects are explored.
The annual Senior Preparatory recital is an excellent platform
for the pupils to showcase their hard work. Further musical
independence is evident in the number of solo performances,
whilst their group working abilities shine in the duets and trios.
The accompaniment of peers is also a goal by this age. The
performances are of a high standard and the expectation of this
recital is to provide the audience with a good performance and
worthy of a good evening out!
The orchestra continues to grow. The College hosted the
firstWest Coast Orchestra Festival and allowed performance
opportunities for the orchestra to perform and to gain insight
into other orchestras of the area. This was an enriching experi-
ence for the learners and culminated in a mass orchestra per-
formance. This saw over 100 young musicians on stage – bigger
than the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra! The growth
experienced during this concert was phenomenal and allows us
to deepen the learner’s musical development.
The College seeks to broaden our students’ experiences
by entering external competitions, eisteddfods and festivals. A
few of the learners joined in theWinelands Orchestra Festival
that took place in the Franschhoek area. Our learners fared
extremely well and revelled in the orchestral experience.
Singing remains an integral part of the cultural experience
here at the College. The choir celebrates the unity of voice
across the whole campus and they feature regularly at a variety
of school events. Vocal techniques are lifted for this age group
to ensure their developing voices are used correctly and with
the most effectiveness.
Assemblies are a great platform for the learners to showcase
their talents. They take great pride in being offered the op-
portunity to play for their peers. Such performances take place
virtually every week.
The College contributes to the greater area by taking some
of our young musicians to old age homes. The audience is
always incredibly appreciative and accepting of the young learn-
ers. It is also gratifying to see the learners engage with the
members of the homes. This remains a highlight and an impor-
tant part of the musical experience at the College.
The wide variety of performances and activities that the Col-
lege offers is an excellent promoter for music. We are always
looking to grow, develop and improve. There is no doubt that
this tenacity endows the College with the correct mindset to
prepare the learners for a bright musical future!
Mark Cloete
