MUSIC

CHOIR
Early morning rehearsals ensure that choir practices do not clash with afternoon activities. It is most encouraging to arrive at school to be greeted by thirty enthusiastic singers who begin the school day in song. Choir members in Grade three and senior choir members work earnestly on their technical proficiency with Mdlen Tsankova. Dana Hadjiev provides professional accompaniment for the Vocal Ensemble. Sally Perks versatility at providing piano accompaniment in a range of musical genre enhances all choir performances. In conjunction with classroom activities, the choirs are closely integrated into many school functions and ceremonies, including contributions made in regular school assemblies.

Durban Prep Choir Performances:
Performances at Grade 6 Ra Assembly in May
Grade 4 and 5 Speech and Drama Evening in June with soloist Ntando Mncube from DUT
Grade 6 and 7 Speech and Drama Evening with soloist Ntando Mncube from DUT
Feed the Babies Fund Concert at Gordon Road Girls’ School in September
New Boys’ Visit on 19 November
Thanksgiving Service, St James’ Church on25 November
Speech Day and Prizegiving on 27 November (The Choir sang “Bach-A-Rock” and Time to Say Goodbye with soloist Kumbuzile Dhlamini from UKZN)

GUMBOOT DANCE TEAM
The Durban Prep Gumboot Dance team through their traditional stomps, claps and slaps, communicates as a closely knit unit. As a carefully crafted garment, the dance team embodies the essence of cooperation, resilience and respect for each other in the dance. Audiences and corporate participants enjoyed pulsating journeys, sometimes mellow, but eternally charged with discipline and mutual respect, as the dancers created fun and laughter too, in this traditional form of dance. The highlight of 2008 was the invitation to perform on a professional stage in the renowned ‘Shall We Dance’ show at the Playhouse.

MARIMBA BAND
Members of the Marimba band, percussionists and singers from Grade 5 W, Grade 5 Do and Grade 5 Hu performed at the Opening of the annual DPHS ART EXHIBITION on 20 November 2008. The musicians delighted visitors to the exhibition with their renditions of traditional Zulu songs and contemporary items.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAMME
A number of new instrumentalists were welcomed to the Instrumental Music Programme in 2008. Music Progress Concerts held on 19 March, 17 June and 17 November 2008 provided new and experienced performers with a supportive platform to share the end products of their dedicated practice. DPHS instrumentalists value the dedication of professional teachers, Dana Hadjiev, Nassi Gueorguieva and Sean Laughton.