FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

the choir also sang an a cappella arrangement of Johnny Clegg’s The Crossing . Once again, the event was a rousing success and enjoyed by the many patrons who attended. The third quarter saw the choir continuing to support the full school Eucharists. By this time, they had added two beautiful songs to their repertoire which are now firm favourites – the traditional prayer Ndikhokele , and a lovely arrangement of the Prayer of St Francis. This quarter saw the tragic passing of Garth Finnemore and his parents, and the choir sang beautifully at his memorial service, bringing a measure of peace to all in attendance. On a happier note, the Chapel Choir also performed a joint concert with the outstanding University of Pretoria Youth Choir in the Schlesinger Theatre. The choir performed a new piece by Tchaikovsky called Crown of Roses as well as their established repertoire. Both choirs sang the traditional song Jikelela , as a joint number at the end to a standing ovation. The fourth and final quarter was an exceptionally busy one. It

started off with Speech Day where the choir led the school hymn with the orchestra. One of the highlights of the year was the joint concert in the Schlesinger Theatre with the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir. The Chapel Choir sang Lord Make Us Instruments, Jikelela and Ndikhokele , and then joined the Drakies for Shosholoza at the end of the programme to yet another standing ovation by a wonderfully packed theatre. The choir also performed at the Remembrance Day service, with a moving rendition the isiZulu prayer Dudu Zumoya Wami . Most of the quarter was spent in preparation for the carol services where the Chapel Choir performed Once in Royal David’s City, In Dulce Jubilo and O Come O Come Emmanuel. The services were enjoyed by all and were deemed a great success and a fitting end to a successful year. The choir has come a long way in 2024, particularly in terms of the quality of their sound. The boys have worked incredibly hard, and 2025 promises to be an exciting year.

CHAMBER CHOIR Back Row: Max Oliva, Brett Hill, Kungalo Somhlahlo, Roelof Rossouw,, Elijah Kangueehi, Boitumelo Motsepe Second Row: Ashton McCormick, Keamogetse Noge Front Row (Seated): Kwanda Dumasi, Corban Chellan, Jordan Matthee, Mr. Gareth Dry, Mark Conway, Thato Moumakwa, Luneziwe Mshengu

performed at various school functions including the Confirmation Service and Grandparents' Day. The beginning of the second quarter saw the arrival of the new choirmaster, and their first performance at the Two Schools concert at Hilton College. The Chamber Choir performed a medley of 1950s love songs, and a montage of traditional southern African music both of which were enthusiastically received. They also performed at the second Two Schools concert with St Mary’s, hosted at Michaelhouse. By this time they had added two more songs to their repertoire in the Pool Mashup from Pitch Perfect 92

CHAMBER CHOIR

T

he Chamber Choir (formerly known as the Vocal Ensemble) is a dedicated group of 15 boys, handpicked by the choirmaster as the strongest vocalists from the Chapel Choir. The Chamber Choir practise twice a week and generally sing more challenging music, often a cappella. They represent the school at numerous events around the area and the country. In the first quarter the Chamber Choir was run by Dr de Swardt until the arrival of the new Head of Music and choirmaster, Mr Gareth Dry, in the second quarter. During this quarter, the choir