NEC ASPERA TERRENT . EMBRACING NEW FRONTIERS
Music

Music 2012

Pipe Band: Eastern Cape Highland Gathering:
On the 7th of April the Pipe Band took part in the annual Eastern Cape Highland Gathering, held at Selborne College in East London. We were the only school band at the competition which forced us to compete in the open category, usually reserved for bands whose members are over the age of 21. Despite this, the College band was able to achieve some impressive results.We were placed 2nd in both the Band March and the Band March Strathspey and Reel, and 1st in the Open Quartets. Overall this gave us a placement of 2nd in the band competition.There were also solo events that took place at the gathering, the results of which were as follows:
The Novice March, the Novice Strathspey & Reel and the Novice Slow March were dominated by College and shared identical results of:
3rd Richard Hobson
2nd Ross Wortly
1st Stuart Hobson
U21 March
3rd Richard Tyson
2nd Stuart Hobson
U21 Strathspey & Reel
3rd Stuart Hobson
1st Richard Tyson
U21 Jig & Hornpipe
2nd Richard Tyson
Open Piobrached   (pronounced: Pea-Brog guttural ‘g’)
3rd Stuart Hobson
Many thanks to the band members and parents whose aid resulted in a successful and enjoyable camp and gathering. Thanks also to Mr. Chris Terry (OA) and Mr. Murray Roodt (OA) for the vital role they played in preparing and tuning the band.
Steve Ellis
MIC Pipe Band

Music Marathon 2012:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/admin.php?page=batch_manager&cat=363

Trinity Music Awards March 2012:
Tyler Higgins and Nicholas Rouessart - Grade 5 Drumkit

Trinity Music Awards February 2012:

STRING ENSEMBLE CAMP AT FAIREWOOD 10TH - 12TH FEBRUARY 2012:
All 15 members of the String Ensemble enjoyed a weekend away at Hobbiton on Fairewood.  Rehearsals included 3 full rehearsals, 2 sectional practices and an improvisation workshop, during which all the players put in a great deal of hard work.
This serious industry was offset by a walk in the reserve and swimming in the dams as well as a hotly contested quiz on Saturday evening, which was entertaining and hilarious.
Juan Munoz from Rhodes University Music Department came along to coach the group, run the improvisation workshop and conduct the Ensemble.  Thanks to all the members of the ensemble who gave up other weekend activities to come on the camp and who gave of their best 100 % of the time.  Everyone co-operated and performed their kitchen and other duties without complaint and generally behaved impeccably.  Thanks to the other members of staff, Mrs Laing and Miss Ocker who also gave up their weekends to assist at the camp.
DOROTHY HOLDER  DIRECTOR, STRING ENSEMBLE
Photos may be viewed on the external photo gallery:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/291

YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Music 2011:

 

Congratulations to Chris de Blocq who is the new Head of Chamber Choir for 2012.

The Pipe Band at the Grahamstown Garden Festival:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/192

The leader of the 2012 Wind Band is MJ Rosslee.

INTER-HOUSE MUSIC 2011:
The 2011 John Axe Arts Week reached its climax on Friday evening 30 September when the 6 Houses displayed their musical and entertainment talents. This year's Inter-house Music Competition was filled with both good music and great entertainment. The moment Dylan Reddering's husky voice filled the hall it was clear that the competition was going to be tough. Every House had something special to offer and the variety of musical styles was impressive. Equally remarkable was the initiative of the participants to create well-balanced ensembles from the talent available in the Houses. Armstrong, Mullins and Graham made good use of their musicians and singers and the clarity of the Upper vocal trio impressed. Armstrong further impressed with the 2 part harmony in "Amazing Grace". It was however Uli Ratsibe and the "Merri Men" of Merriman who had the crowd on their feet with their stage presence and added entertainment. The organizers are still looking for pieces of the smashed guitar, but are relieved that the candle-carrying choristers of Merriman did not set fire to the venue.
Our sincere gratitude to all the boys that worked very hard and to the staff for their support. Congratulations also to the College boys for their impeccable behaviour.
This year's trophy for the best performance goes to Merriman House.
Photos may be viewed by clicking on the link below:
http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/282

9 March 2011: Two new leadership roles have been established in the Music Department for 2011:
Leader of the Wind Band - Xan Atkins
Leader of the Jazz Band - Jethro Bradford
  

The following pupils are the leaders of the newly formed String Ensemble: 
Head:  Shaleeni Ranchhod 
Vice-Head:  Rodney Avutia

Assembly 2 February 2011:
The following boys passed their Trinity College of London and Royal Schools of music exams at the end of last year:
Nicholas Rouessart - Gr 4 Drum Kit
Tyler Higgins - Gr 4 Drum Kit
Timothy Bloem - Gr 3 Flute
Alan Gerber - Gr 4 Jazz Flute
Nicholas Kroon - Gr 3 Clarinet
Ross Wortley - Gr 3 Piano
Evaan Ferreira - Gr 4 Piano
Nicholas Wilkinson - Gr 5 Piano
Leandle Mseleku - Gr 3 Piano
Joshua Myburgh - Gr 3 Piano
 

Music Trinity Awards - Drums:
Seb Mulders, Dominic Joseph, Jared Hohne

2011 Pipe Band Office Bearers:
Pipe Major - Duncan Ralston
Drum Major - Michael Rushmere
Lead Tip - Matthew Shone

Music 2010:

 

CHAMBER CHOIR 2011:
A marathon audition session took place on Wednesday 27 October, during which 22 singers battled it out to earn the 6 available places in the Chamber Choir. Congratulations go to the following boys who are the new Tenors and Basses in the choir:
Josh Devis
Lwandle Mseleku
Alan Gerber
Tebego Ngoasheng
These boys have earned their Chamber Choir jerseys, which will be available shortly.
The new Chamber Choir Leader for 2011 is Apelele Luke

Senior Orchestra:
The following boys have been awarded orchestra jerseys:
MJ Rosslee
Andrew Keeton
Lwandle Mseleku
Rodney Avutia
Jono Gibbs
Teb Schlebusch
Xan Atkins
Alan Gerber

The following boys passed their Trinity College of London music exams during the first session this year:
Aaron Higgins - GRADE 5 Jazz Flute with Merit
Jono Gibbs - GRADE 7 Violin with Merit
Michael Wilkinson - GRADE 7 Flute

 

Music Eisteddfod 2010:
The following boys took part in the Eastern Cape Music Eisteddfod and obtained the following results:
Timothy Bloem - Gold
Evaan Ferreira - Gold
Joshua Myburgh - Bronze
Vince Rader - Silver
Ruben Scholtz - Silver
Nicholas Wilkinson - Gold
Senior Orchestra - Silver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The main theatre at the Monument was filled to capacity last Thursday and Friday evening when the Rhodes Orchestra and the combined choirs of the Grahamstown schools produced Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.  
It was a splendid occasion and really portrayed education in Grahamstown, and Grahamstown as a centre of the arts in its best possible light. Our congratulations go to all the musicians and choristers involved, and especially to Mrs Priscilla Glover of Graeme College who produced the spectacle under the baton of Mr Juan Munoz of Rhodes University.
 

INTER-HOUSE MUSIC COMPETITION 2010:
On Thursday 6 May the 6 houses gathered for a feast of entertainment during the Inter-house Music Competition. After thorough sound checks during the afternoon, the stage was set for a blockbuster of an evening .The evening kicked off with Upper's rendition of "The Lion sleeps tonight" followed by a "Warning Sign" from Espin. Merriman's "Photograph" set the scene for a well-played "Bag Pipe Medley" which left Armstrong "Comfortably Numb". Although Graham thought that they were "Knocking on Heavens Door", Mullins decided that "You say it best, if you say nothing at all", allowing the Lion to stay asleep and Mullins won the 2010 Inter-house Music Trophy. We want to congratulate the organizing committee with a very successful evening. A big thank you to all the adjudicators and other staff members who were involved.
 


 Pipe Band in Amazimtoti May 2010

Music Awards - Trinity College London

Adam Weeks (Grade 1 - Drum kit), Evaan Fereira (Grade 3 - Piano), Rodney Avutia (Grade 2 - Double Bass) and Michael-Jon Rossslee (Grade 4 - Clarinet with distinction). Absent from the photo: Alan Gerber (Grade 3 - Flute with merit), Simon Vermooten (Grade 3 - Double Bass with merit), Richard Simpson (Grade 4 - Timpani), Chris de Bloqc (Grade 6 - Trumpet) and Lunko Salvandle (Grade 2 - Drum kit with merit)

 

Music Tour Reminder: 
19th August to 22nd August 2010 to Graaff-Reinet and George.
More details to follow once confirmed.

 

Assembly Awards 2010:

Pipe Band 2010:

James Price is the Pipe Band Drum Major for 2010

Trinity Music Exams January 2010:

The following boys have received their Trinity Rockschool Grade Exam Certificates for Electric Guitar:
Gabriel Buchalter - Grade 3 with Merit
Breff Whitehead - Grade 3 with Merit
Simon Vermooten - Grade 6

 

Music 2009: 

 

2009 PIPE BAND OFFICER BEARERS:

 

The duo of Andrew de Blocq and Clive Hunting, travelled up to Johannesburg last weekend to compete in the George Ackroyd Memorial Competition for solo pipers. The competition was held at King Edward the Seventh High School, and the standard of play was unusually high. Clive managed to earn 4th place in the junior under18 March, as well as 4th place in the Strathspey and Reel, and the Pibrog. This placed him 4th overall in the junior category. Andrew placed 3rd in junior March, as well as 3rd in the junior Strathspey and Reel. He also placed 1st in the Open Pibrog event. His efforts had him placed 3rd in the juniors, and 2nd overall. Thanks go to Mr Terry who drove to Johannesburg and back in one weekend, for being on hand for fine tuning at the venue, and his outstanding tutorship. Congratulations Clive and Andrew. SJ Ellis 13/10/09

The 2009 pipe band. Rank holders 2009, front row:
Drum Sergeant Graeme Renard, Pipe Major Andrew De Blocq van Scheltinga, Drum Major Justus Luttig, Pipe Sergeant Clive Hunting

 

 

Interhouse Music September 2009:
1st: Armstrong
2nd: Espin
3rd: Upper
4th: Graham
5th: Mullins
6th: Merriman

3rd National GMS Music Competition 2009:
This took place in the Drill Hall and the overall standard of the competition was extremely high. Michael Wilkinson (flute), Timothy Abel (piano) and Andrew Siu (classical guitar) all participated and Tim was one of eight contestants chosen to perform with the Rhodes Orchestra in October when he will play one movement from a Mozart piano concerto.

Music Tour August 2009:
The touring musicians spent four days in Port Elizabeth performing at schools and youth centres. Fours ensembles including the senior orchestra, the wind orchestra, the rock band and choir, formed by 16 singers from the chapel choirs of St Andrew's and DSG, toured and they were joined by Andrew Siu who played solo classical guitar. Some of the highlights included a shared concert at Alexander Road High School, where 63 musicians from all three schools performed together in a joint orchestra, and the concert at Collegiate where 8 College boys singing Goodnight Sweetheart brought the house down! The rock band, newly formed this year, was one of the most impressive groups and was a huge hit at every concert. Six concerts were performed in four days and the musicians are to be congratulated both for what they achieved musically and for the professional way in which they conducted themselves at all times.
Mandy Carver.

Assembly notice 5 August 2009:
The following boys have qualified to receive their jerseys for Wind Orchestra by completing 5 terms' membership of the ensemble:
Michael Wilkinson
Nicholas Hops
Xan Atkins
Christopher de Blocq

Assembly notice 23 June 2009:
Merit for Chapel Choir: Moses Iputo
Colours for Music: Michael Wilkinson
Colours for Chapel Choir: Andrew de Blocq and Lebo Seitisho
 

 

 

May 2009:
The Music department had a very busy week last week, starting with Commem Praise, a service of music shared with Kingswood College, Rhodes University Chamber Choir and Victoria Girls High Choir.  The joint choirs of DSG and St. Andrew’s impressed the other choirs with their solo items and enjoyed the opportunity to sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah with all of the other choirs. 
On Wednesday evening Timothy Abel, Andrew Siu and Nicholas Ruprecht performed at Brookshaw retirement home, providing very welcome entertainment at their monthly meeting. 
 
Several of our musicians took part in the Grahamstown Eisteddfod last week.  The excellent results are a tribute to the hard work and self discipline of all the boys who took part.  Here are the results: 

 

 

 

SOLO AWARDS:
Christopher de Blocq van Scheltinga: silver for solo trumpet
Andrew Siu:  Two silver awards for guitar
Thomas Niven:  gold for his own composition for piano and saxophone
Timothy Abel:  gold for piano
SOLO PIPING AWARDS
Andrew De Blocq: Gold
Clive Hunting: Gold
Murray Roodt: Gold
Duncan Ralston: Silver
Lachlan MacDonald: Silver
Jonty Arnot: Silver
ENSEMBLE AWARDS
Chapel choir:  Silver
Chapel choir, singing with DSG Chapel choir: Gold 
Chamber choir:  Gold
Senior orchestra:  Silver  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pipe band at the Grahamstown Eisteddfod 25 May:
Under the leadership of Andrew De Blocq, they played two pieces of repertoire, namely a March selection and a March, Strathspey and Reel. The judge, who is a piper himself, described the band's performance as excellent with both rhythmic and notational perfections. The band achieved a Gold award, the highest possible at this event.

 

 

Pipe band report 06/05/08:
The Pipe Major and Pipe Sergeant of the College Pipe Band, Andrew de Blocq and Clive Hunting, along with current College tenor and bass drum tutor, Richard Payne from Rhodes, were recruited at relatively short notice by (Old Andrean) Pipe Major Thomas Fuller (College Pipe Major 1996 and 1997) to play for his One Medical Battalion Pipe Band in Durban during the holidays.  There was a solo Piobaireachd (PEA BROG guttural  'g') competition on the Friday the 1st of May evening, in which Andrew was  placed 2nd, and Clive Hunting 4th. The Saturday saw them compete in the Amanzimtoti Lions South Coast Highland Gathering. The Novice Juvenile Band outdid themselves by playing an exceptional march selection, which saw them placed 1st. They also played a march, strathspey and reel selection, which was impressively executed. They were also awarded 1st position in the Drill, Dress and Discipline category, due to their military precision, attitude and tidiness on parade.  These efforts saw them placed 2nd overall in the competition, close behind the composite Jeppe CBC Boksburg Pipe Band. The Grade 4 Band placed an unusual 3rd, with the rise in placing attributed amongst other things to Andrew and Clive's presence in the band. Andrew and Clive can be commended on a standard of playing that far exceeds their experience.   (Steve Ellis)

 

April 2009:
Lebo Seitisho is a talented singer who has displayed serious leadership within the choir this year. Mandy Carver takes great pleasure in announcing that Lebo has been made joint Head Chorister. 

Massed choir event, 4th February 2009
On Wednesday last week, the chapel choir participated in a massed choir concert at the Guy Butler Theatre, featuring South African artist, Francois du Toit, otherwise known as The Ha-Man.  The joint chapel choirs of St Andrew's and DSG were amongst three school choirs to do solo items, singing two solo items in the first half of the programme.  Both songs, 'I give to you a new commandment' and 'Let the River Run' are favourites of the choir and they sang them with passion and impressive discipline.
The concert ended with nine choirs, involving 400 singers, joining together on stage to sing two songs composed by Francois du Toit.  It was a unique event, and an excellent opportunity to make music with learners from schools across Grahamstown.  The St. Andrew's/ DSG choir was the largest one present, and we made a fine individual and joint contribution. 

 

 

 

 

 

News

Missing Helen
8th May 2012
"Missing Helen" will be St Andrew's College and DSG's Dance 2012 Production. Updates on the preparation and production will be posted here.
Ireland Debating Tour
4th May 2012
13 College Debaters participated in the St Andrew's Ireland Model United Nations competition in Dublin.