When Timothy Abel arrived at St Andrew’s College he was already a promising musician, playing two instruments at a level that was higher than usual for his age.
Since then Timothy has developed his skills as a pianist so that he is currently the best pianist that St Andrew’s College has had for more than a decade. Timothy has played two Grade 8 examinations (the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and UNISA) and has just achieved a distinction in the UNISA examination. He was a finalist in both the 2008 “Rising Stars” Music Competition and the 2009 “Grahamstown Music Competition”. He won a special prize for his playing of Debussy in 2008 and this year has been chosen to play a movement of a concerto with the Rhodes University Orchestra.
Timothy started his career in the school orchestra as a violinist, but quickly converted to the viola. He passed his Grade 7 examination last year and plans to study the instrument seriously next year at Rhodes University. He has been a member of the Senior Orchestra for nearly 5 years and the Head of Senior Orchestra for 2009. He has also played from time to time in the Rhodes University Orchestra. As both pianist and violist, Timothy has been a regular performer at concerts, both at school and elsewhere. He has twice been chosen as a participant in the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra Youth Orchestra course.
In addition, Timothy plays the bagpipes and is a member of the Pipe Band. He is also more than competent as a singer and has sung bass in the Chamber Choir for the best part of two years. Here his help with part practices has been invaluable.
Timothy has not confined his musicianship to the practical but prepared for and wrote his Grade 6 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music theory examination last year. He is currently preparing to write the Unisa Grade 6 theory paper in October. Both these examinations are over and above anything required for the Matric Music course.
Timothy is a musician of stature who has made the most of his opportunities to develop a considerable talent. In spite of his numerous successes he remains grounded and unassuming. He commands respect amongst his peers within the music department and has been an exemplary leader in the orchestra. In my opinion we have only seen the tip of the iceberg and I have no doubt that Timothy will continue to amaze and delight us.
DOROTHY HOLDER
