The 2023 Chronicle

the quarter with three new members, which necessitated long hours of preparation. The band was invited to perform at The Wykeham Collegiate Talent Show on 26 July, which served as a perfect opportunity for them to play together for the first time in a performance setting. The band travelled to Boksburg for the 12th Education Africa International Marimba and Steelpan Competition. It was the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that this competition happened live – running concurrently with an online competition – and the excitement was palpable. 190 bands from mainly African countries competed in this, the largest competition of its kind in the world. The band competed in all four categories and was not only awarded the prize for the best high school band but was also announced the overall winner of the competition – including junior and senior schools, and adult bands. The unbelievable grace and empathy of the band members made them crowd favourites, and upon their return to Michaelhouse, emails from strangers who were mainly impressed by the boys’ spirit and character streamed in. The band placed first in the Strictly Classical and Proudly South African categories and second in the Battle of the Bands category. Rory Steyn was awarded the prize for the best high school drummer of the competition. THE AWARD-WINNING TEAM CONSISTED OF: Sandiso Hlongwa (captain and soprano), Gqamile Mbuyazi (vice-captain and piccolo), Kofi Asumaning (piccolo and saxophonist), Jordan Baxter (soprano), Abogile Xulu (baritone), Sentso Tlelai (baritone), Ntando Mbhele (baritone), Rory Steyn (drummer), Alexander Vries (tenor and saxophonist), Sinnon Khosa (tenor), Stephan Macamo (tenor), Isa Shabalala (piccolo), Musumbandila Tshivashe (piccolo), Louis Ayo (piccolo), Ben Cheales (piccolo), Khwezi Dube (soprano), Ziyanda Hlongwa (baritone) and Simon Bailes (baritone). Angelo Nkosi and Xabiso Ngcime (Mooi) unfortunately were not able to join the band for the competition. Following the high-intensity start to the quarter, the band performed their competition repertoire for the school during assembly and, in the same week, performed at the Maritzburg College 160th Birthday Music Concert alongside many other school groups. The band was invited to perform as guest artists at the Illovo International Conference at Champagne Sports in September. This company made a generous donation to the band, allowing them to invest in two new chromatic tenor instruments. Auditions for 2024 happened on 25 and 29 August. This highly competitive (and emotionally charged) event saw boys from E to B Block compete for the open places in the band. The new members in the band are Tyrone Kaufmann (D Block), Timotheos Papadopoulos (D Block), Brent Tayengwa (D Block), Reece Hill (D Block), Lufuno Kanyongolo (C Block), Nyiko Mboweni (C Block), Michael Ngorima (D Block), Nkgwete Tlailane (D Block) and Kwanele Shazi (B Block).

in a workshop with Clifton Nottingham Road. The two bands got to perform for each other, after which the Michaelhouse boys coached the junior school musicians, teaching them a song. This was a wonderfully interactive and enjoyable affair. Development workshops like these will certainly become a focal point of the Michaelhouse marimba programme in future. The Competition Marimba Band performed, together with the Choir and Orchestra, at Speech Day. The collective rendition of the South African national anthem added a jaunty lilt to the step of those who heard it. The band again performed at the Grade 7 Art Exhibition at Clifton Nottingham Road on 13 November, a tradition at which the matric boys make a “comeback” and play one last time with the band. The band was sad to say goodbye to an exceptional group of matric boys at the end of 2023. They celebrated their successes at the marimba dinner at Highgate wine estate, saying goodbye to Sandiso Hlongwa, Gqamile Mbuyazi, Kofi Asumaning, Jordan Baxter, Abogile Xulu and Sentso Tlelai. Isa Shabalala, Xabiso Mooi and Ben Cheales were also remembered for the significant contributions they made to the success of the 2023 band before their various departures from the band. On 14 November, the newly selected competition band performed at the 13th World Congress of the World Society for Paediatric Infectious Diseases at the Durban ICC. International exposure like this enhances the band’s appeal and reputation as one of the best African marimba bands. The members of the Junior Marimba Band: Wandile Madida, Chase Maskell, Mikahael van Wyk, Oliver Thompson, Bernard Rossouw, Leruo Sento, Valentino Zedde, Brent Tayengwa, Gabriel Isabwa, Michael Ngorima, Nicholas Hornby, Mkateko Mathebula, Rifumo Shirindza, Ethan Chiimba, Keabetswe Motswentyane, Lee-Roy Mochan and Riley Muir. The members of the Senior Marimba Band: Timotheos Papadopoulos, Phiko Madlanga, Sithsaba Simukonda, Ntando Mbhele, Sazi Mbatha, Nhlohlori Shikathi, Junior Ncamani, Khashane Maenetje, Reece Hill, Nkgwete Tlailane, Jonathan Boesak, Nyiko Mboweni, Lerotholi Seeiso, Makhena Githiri, Ike Githinji, Lufuno Kanyongolo, Bongani Ncgobo, Stephan Macamo, Joe Gilson and Tyrone Kaufmann. THEATRE PRODUCTIONS & TECHNOLOGY Director Schlesinger Theatre: Mr William le Cordeur Technical director: Mr Van Wyk Oosthuizen Technical support: Mr Fish Ndlovu HALF-COLOURS Onalerona Lefakane, Sentso Tlelai, Lwazi Dlamini, Boitumelo Sefotlhelo, Elijah Kangueehi, Luthando Jonas, Sinnon Khosa

COLOURS Isa Shabalala, Xabiso Mooi (Ngcime)

Mr Kuluba Leteane took over the coaching of the Junior Marimba Band in the fourth quarter. The band collaborated

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