The 2023 Chronicle

ORCHESTRAL PROGRAMME Master in Charge: Mr Joshua Turnbull

the second service was held on 30 November for parents and community members. In comparison to previous years, the Orchestra played a more substantial role in these services, accompanying the congregation in nine carols. The departure of the matrics, Kofi Asumaning (alto saxophone), Jordan Baxter (violin), Enrique Benassi (electric guitar), Ethan Cockram (trombone), Thomas Kuhn (trumpet), Gqamile Mbuyazi (violin) and Andrew Woodland (alto saxophone), along with assistant conductor Mr Simeon Goddard, concluded a year of growth, dedication, and significance for the Michaelhouse Orchestra. Led by Mr Joshua Turnbull (himself a saxophonist in the band), the jazz bands enjoyed a year of notable success and merit. The Junior Jazz Band, structured as a septet, acted as a preparatory ensemble to ready boys for the rigours of the Senior Jazz Band. Meanwhile, the Senior Jazz Band’s membership increased to 11 members, up from the previous year’s seven. Furthermore, for the first time, the Senior Jazz Band featured a vocalist. The Junior Jazz Band’s repertoire primarily featured South African jazz, notably Abdullah Ibrahim’s Nelson Mandela and Professor Michael Campbell’s Smooth Walk . The Senior Jazz Band showcased a myriad of styles, including the modern jazz of Roy Hargrove’s Crazy Race , the Jazz African Pioneers’ mbaqanga piece Woodpecker , and Stevie Wonder’s R&B classic Sir Duke , to name a few. The Junior Jazz Band performed admirably at the Jam Session @ Highgate Wine Estate (2 June) and the annual Two Schools in Concert: A celebration of brotherhood with Hilton College (15 June). The Senior Jazz Band performed at the Michaelhouse Club and Societies Fair (23 January), the first quarter academic prize-giving (15 February), a cocktail function at Fordoun Hotel and Spa hosted by the Midlands Old Boys’ Club (23 February), a lunch-hour concert at Mini Me Patisserie and Bistro (5 March), Michaelhouse’s Human Rights Day celebrations (21 March), Maritzburg College’s Interschools Jazz Concert (22 March), Wembley College’s Festival of Music (21 April), the Jam Session @ Highgate Wine Estate (2 June), the Two Schools in Concert: A celebration of brotherhood with Hilton College (15 June), the St John’s DSG Symphony of Voices concert (25 July), the All Stars Shine: A showcase of KwaZulu- Natal School Talent concert hosted by the Durban Playhouse Theatre (5 August), Michaelhouse’s Women’s Day Tea (5 August), and Maritzburg College’s 160th Birthday Music Concert (9 August). The Senior Jazz Band’s noteworthy achievements included the following milestones: receiving a standing ovation for their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Sir Duke at the Two Schools in Concert: A celebration of brotherhood; their performance at Maritzburg College’s 160th Birthday Music Concert, where vocalist Luneziwe Mshengu (E Block) ventured into the crowd, heightening the overall energy of the audience; an invitation to perform at the iconic Durban Playhouse Theatre for the All Stars Shine: A Showcase of KwaZulu-Natal’s Schools Talent concert; and the recording of two live- performance music videos, available for consumption on Michaelhouse’s YouTube page.

Coaches: Mr Joshua Turnbull, Mr Simeon Goddard (Orchestra), Mr Joshua Turnbull (Junior and Senior Jazz Bands) Captains: Kofi Asumaning, Jordan Baxter & Andrew Woodland he Michaelhouse Orchestra, under the baton of Mr Joshua Turnbull and assistant conductor Mr Simeon Goddard – himself a violinist in the ensemble – enjoyed a successful year of music making. Kofi Asumaning (A Block, McCormick) was elected Orchestra captain, supported by deputies Jordan Baxter (A Block, Baines) and Andrew Woodland (Senior Prefect). Gqamile Mbuyazi (A Block, Founders) was selected as concertmaster. Rehearsals were held twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Orchestra also witnessed growth in membership, with 27 boys contributing to its endeavours throughout the year. The Orchestra’s first performance for the year took place at Wembley College’s Festival of Music on 21 April in Greytown. This event brought together ensembles from Michaelhouse, St Anne’s Diocesan College, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School and Wembley College, all showcasing their musical talents. On 15 June, the Orchestra opened the second half of the Two Schools in Concert: A Celebration of Brotherhood, hosted in Michaelhouse’s Indoor Centre. The Orchestra’s programme featured a medley from the Pirates of the Caribbean film score, including the themes of Fog Bound , The Medallion Calls and The Black Pearl , all composed by Klaus Badelt and arranged by Michael Sweeney. This was followed by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s theme from Swan Lake , Opus 20a, No.1 Scène, arranged by Chris M. Bernatos. The Orchestra then concluded with Avenger’s Theme , composed by Alan Sivestri and arranged by Eddie Clayton. With an audience of over 1,000 people, the orchestra performed with great distinction and admirable applause. Notably, many audience members commented on the Orchestra’s marked improvement from previous years. Additionally, the Orchestra performed at the Symphony of Voices concert hosted by St John’s DSG on 24 July. Alongside the St John’s choir, the Michaelhouse Chapel Choir and the Michaelhouse Jazz Band, the Orchestra presented the same repertoire as their Two Schools in Concert: A celebration of brotherhood performance, with the addition of Camila Cabello’s Latin pop song Havana , arranged by Victor López for orchestra. On 13 October, the Orchestra contributed to Michaelhouse’s annual Speech Day. They performed the academic procession Gaudeamus Igitur , the national anthem in collaboration with the Chapel Choir and Competition Marimba Band, and the school hymn, Stars of the Morning . Furthermore, the Orchestra made a substantial contribution to the musical items performed at the two carol services. The first service was held on 29 November for boys and staff, and T

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