FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

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members, allowing them some down time amidst the mid-year examinations. In preparation for the annual International Marimba and Steelpan Competition in Johannesburg at the end of July, members of the competition band took part in several workshops, some of which were held during the mid-year holidays. At the annual Epworth Marimbas to the Max concert on 19 July, the competition band performed alongside bands from Hilton College, St John’s DSG and Epworth. Our boys’ highly energetic and musical performance set them apart from the rest, ending in a standing ovation by the audience. The competition marimba band also performed at St Mary’s DSG’s Marimba Showcase on 24 July, where they were the main guest artists, sharing the stage with the six bands from the girls’ school. After an intense period of preparation the competition band departed to Johannesburg for the annual Education Africa International Marimba & Steelpan Festival. At the competition the band won two out of four categories, and placed second in the other two. This made them the highest-scoring high school band at the competition. And Michaelhouse retained their position as the ultimate crowd favourites. The competition band also performed alongside Old Boy Gqamile Mbuyazi at a benefit concert on 6 September,

024 saw the addition of a second junior marimba band to the marimba programme. Because of the large number of boys who wanted to join the programme, the junior band was split into D and E Block bands, giving an opportunity for both intern teachers, Mr Eldene Bruiners and Mr Kuluba Leteane, to coach a band. The addition of two new chromatic tenor instruments increased the competition band’s size to 19 instruments and contributed a new tone colour in the band. At the start of the second quarter Mr Leteane left Michaelhouse, so Dr de Swardt assumed the coaching role of both the D Block and competition marimba bands. All three bands performed at both the Two Schools concerts in the second quarter, first with Hilton College on 2 May and then with St Mary’s DSG on 13 June. The competition marimba band were invited to perform at the St John’s DSG Freedom Day concert in Pietermaritzburg, which they did to rousing cheers from a very excited all-girl audience. Shortly after that performance they played a long programme at the annual Harvest Moon Festival at the Nottingham Road Farmers Hall. For some of the first-time performers this was a wonderful event which boosted their confidence. The band were invited to entertain the Cowan House community in Hilton at their family picnic day on Sunday 2 June. Their performance was a wonderful experience for both the audience and band

D BLOCK MARIMBA BAND Back Row: Drew Lindsay, Neo Selibe, Riley Muir, Katleho Ramosunya, Shail Rajkumar

Second Row: Powers Motsileng, Mikahael Geemooi, Oliver Thompson, Siphesihle Mathebula, Luthando Mxhego, Eneko Mwakio Front Row (Seated): Bernard Rossouw, Valentino Zedde (Captain), Simphiwe Kona, Di Carika de Swardt (Coach), Luneziwe Mshengu, Mvelo Zondo, Solethu Ngxola Absent: Thembekile Ntuli, Trezeguet Hawkins