FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

What makes the competition band’s performances memorable is that the boys can play a set that lasts 40-45 minutes, not just one or two songs, as is the norm at most interschools events. This displays the range of musical and entertainment skill of the band, and sets them apart as more than just a school band but as consummate musician-performers. The new leaders for 2025 were announced at the annual marimba dinner on 17 October. Louis Ayo (captain) and Musumbandila Tshivhase (vice-captain) were unanimously voted in as the leaders for 2025 and have already made quite an impact on band culture. COMPETITION MARIMBA BAND: Ntando Mbhele (captain & baritone) , Rory Steyn (vice captain & drummer) , Brent Tayengwa (piccolo & saxophonist) , Tyron Kaufmann (piccolo) , Stephan Macamo (tenor) , Musumbandila Tshivhase (piccolo) , Louis Ayo (piccolo) , Khwezi Dube (soprano) , Ziyanda Hlongwa (baritone) , Simon Bailes (piccolo) , Timotheos Papadopoulos (piccolo) , Michael Ngorima (soprano) , Nkgwete Tlailane (soprano) , Ben Viljoen (tenor) , Reese Hill (tenor) , Kwanele Shazi (baritone) , Nyiko Mboweni (baritone) , Lufuno Kanyongolo (baritone) , Dr Carika de Swardt (coach) .

and played at the St Peter’s Sport and Culture Festival in Johannesburg on 21 September. 2024 was a successful year for the marimba programme and it ended on a high after no fewer than five performances in the last month and a half of the fourth quarter. With the four matric boys – Ntando Mbhele, Stephan Macamo, Rory Steyn and Kwanele Shazi – bowing out after their final performance at Speech Day on 11 October, it was time for new members to take their places in the band. This is a challenging time for the newcomers as they must learn the entire repertoire of the band very quickly, but despite this the boys stepped up bravely, ensuring great performances. The band were invited to perform at the God’s Family Life Church 20th birthday celebrations in Pietermaritzburg on Friday 25 October. This performance was followed by one at the Piggly Wiggly flower show on Sunday 27 October, where the band shared the floral stage with the Michaelhouse jazz band. Both groups, as well as the two junior marimba bands and the chamber choir, performed at the Blackwood’s open garden event at Colbourne Farm on 3 November. Despite the heat, it was amazing to see how the boys – especially those in the two junior bands – embraced the opportunity as they performed with confidence and great musicality.

E BLOCK MARIMBA BAND Back Row: Benjamin Terbrugge, Benjamin Franz, Keamogetse Noge, Kai de Klerk, Luphumlo Sonjica Second Row: Harry Steyn, Mashiza Zama, Warona Ramorobi, Jordan Mathee, Cameron Hatfield, Kwanda Dumasi Front Row (Seated): Thibedi Mogoba, Kayur Jagadasan (Captain), Mr. Eldene Bruiners, Ariyaan Prithipal, Connor Jordaan