The 2025 Chronicle

MUSIC

Head of Music: Mr Gareth Dry Music Administration: Ms Lawanda Zondi

Beyond the studios and practice rooms, the Music School buzz es with ensemble activity, involving close to another 150 boys. The Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir, both under the direction of Mr Gareth Dry, have enjoyed a landmark year. The Chapel Choir placed second in the country at the ATKV Applous Choir Competition, and both choirs received Diplomas – the highest possible honours – at the National Eisteddfod. These achieve ments reflect countless hours of dedication, teamwork and in spired music-making. The instrumental ensembles have been no less impressive. The Marimba Programme – comprising the Junior Marimba Band, the Second Team Band and the Competition Band – continues to be a source of vibrant energy on campus under the leader ship of Dr Carika de Swardt. This year, both the Second Team and Competition Marimba bands shone at the inaugural High Schools Marimba Band Competition hosted at Michaelhouse, placing in and winning numerous sections. Under Mr Eldene Bruiners, both the Jazz Band and the Orches tra have enjoyed a year of tremendous growth and success. The Jazz Band, in particular, distinguished itself by winning the Best High School category at the Stellenbosch University Na tional Jazz Competition – a testament to the boys’ creativity, discipline and ensemble cohesion. No account of the Music School’s achievements would be complete without acknowledging the quiet heroes who keep its heart beating day after day. Our exceptional head of ad ministration, Ms Lawanda Zondi, ensures that the department runs smoothly and warmly, supporting staff, boys and parents with grace and efficiency. Our tireless ground staff continue to maintain a space that is not only functional but inspiring. Thanks to their recent efforts – alongside a rejuvenation of our surrounding gardens – the Music School is looking more beautiful than ever, a place where boys feel proud to work, rehearse and perform. This year has reaffirmed the Music School’s commitment to excellence, creativity and community. Whether in the concert hall, the classroom, the choir stalls or the garden pathways, music remains a powerful and joyful presence in the life of Mi chaelhouse. The achievements of 2025 stand as a tribute to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our boys, and the unwavering support of the broader school community.

AWARDS Honours: Joseph Gilson, Nkgwete Tlailane, Timotheus Papadopoulos, Brent Tayengwa, Tyron Kaufmann, Benjamin Viljoen, Reese Hill, Michael Ngorima, Harry Witherspoon Colours: Lerotholi Seeiso, Nkgwete Tlailane, Harry Witherspoon, Thembekile Ntuli, Katleho Ramosunya, Oliver Thompson, Jayeon Connoway-Chang, Nicholas Hornby, Remofilwe Khoale, Benjamin Knoetze, Wandile Madida, Lee-Roy Mochan, Ivan Nel, Max Oliva, Nate Ross-Kent Half Colours: Trent Buckley, Mikahael Geemooi, Zhengfei Li, Thembekile Ntuli, Nkosinathi Radebe, Katleho Ramosunya, Thomas Talbort-Frickel, Mvelo Zondo, Oliver Thompson, Valentino Zedde, Simphiwe Kona, Eneko Mwakio, Luthando Mxhego, Bernard Rossouw, Benjamin Sevel, Robert Short With almost 150 boys enrolled in instrumental lessons – an impressive quarter of the school – music continues to play a vital role in the life of the community. Our offering of private tuition remains one of the most diverse in the country. Classical piano is taught by Dr Carika de Swardt and Mrs Nola le Roux, while jazz piano flourishes under the guidance of Mr Nkanyiso Zuma. Voice training is led by Mr Gareth Dry, trumpet by Mr Eldene Bruiners, drums by both Mr Michael Dickens and Mr Lendl Lewis, and guitar by Mr Christo pher Smith. The string department continues to grow, with vio lin taught by Ms Keamogetswe Magau and cello by Mr Michael Jex. Saxophone students benefit from the expertise of Mr Che Charles and Dr Melindie Warden. Together, this accomplished faculty fosters an environment where passion meets discipline, and talent is carefully and warmly nurtured. Mvelo Zondo, Trent Buckley, Mikahael Geemooi, Connor Maitland, Luneziwe Mshengu, Neo Selibe, The Michaelhouse Music School has en joyed an exceptional year marked by growth, achievement and a deepening culture of ar tistic excellence.

ACCOUNTING

Head of Department: Mr Christopher Felix Staff: Mr James Kiln (intern), Mr Che Charles (intern)

I would like to formally acknowledge the matric class of 2024’s exceptional results. The department is delighted to confirm a strong performance, highlighted by an outstanding average mark of 70.25%, a pass rate of 100% and seven subject dis tinctions. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2024 for establishing such a high standard, which we trust the class of 2025 will strive to match and exceed. I am grateful for the incredible work ethic and professionalism

In reviewing the last year, the Accounting Department is thrilled to report on a time of great expansion of our teaching resources

and significant growth as a department.

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