PERFORMING
ARTS

The Performing Arts Department housed in a dedicated facility provides weekly Music and Drama lessons for all learners from Grade R to Grade 7 as part of the DPHS school curriculum. Performing Arts Director, Annette Briscoe, and Alexandra Patrick teach music, while Glynis Harker and Daisy Spencer teach the drama lessons. In addition to these lessons, DPHS offers an extended programme that enhances the dance and musical experience to learners in the Junior Primary and Senior choirs, through the Marimba Band, Gumboot Dance Team and the Instrumental Music Programme.

The essence of our performing arts programme is captured below, with performances captured on videos uploaded via our YouTube channel:

CHOIR
Early morning rehearsals ensure that choir practices do not clash with afternoon activities. Staff are greeted by enthusiastic singers who begin the day in song on rehearsal days. The choirs are closely integrated into many school functions and ceremonies and are expertly led by conductor Annette Briscoe.

HIP HOP
The Drama Club facilitates weekly Hip Hop classes for Grade 4 -7 which are coordinated by Glynis Harker .

GUMBOOT DANCE TEAM
The Durban Prep Gumboot Dance Team, through their traditional stomps, claps and slaps, communicates as a closely knit unit, embodying the essence of cooperation, resilience and respect for each other in the dance. Audiences enjoy pulsating journeys, sometimes mellow, but eternally charged with discipline and mutual respect to create fun and laughter too. Gumboot Dance Team members are learners from Grade 6 and 7.

SCHOOL and HOUSEPLAYS
Plays for both the junior and senior primary grades are presented at the end of the third term and fourth terms. Rehearsals and staging of the plays brings much excitement to the boys. Senior performers may earn house points for their respective houses, Bullimore, Evans, Haysom and Stubbs houses. Play productions are a highlight of the year.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAMME
The DPHS MUSIC CENTRE hosts an after school instrumental music programme. Musicians proficient in piano, violin, guitar, recorder, clarinet, flute and percussion provide private tuition to learners on request. The Tuition Fee includes theory and aural group lessons. Musicians perform at regular concerts and may enter for examinations set by Trinity Guildhall or the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.

MARIMBA BAND
Members of the popular Marimba Band are drawn from Grade 6 and 7 learners, many of whom have patiently waited to enjoy this senior priviledge. The bands’ repertoire includes traditional African music and contemporary items.

SPEECH AND DRAMA
Dramatic skills, practised as part of the DPHS curriculum in weekly lessons, are integrated into school activities. These include Assembly Readings, Open Assemblies presented by class and grade groups, the Reception Unit Concert and the Grade 3 Concert.

SPEECH AND DRAMA FESTIVAL
The Speech and Drama department, together with the South African Speech and Drama Association (SADASA) hosts the Annual DPHS Speech and Drama Festival in the second term. Learners are encouraged to utilise skills developed in Drama classes when preparing items for the Festival. The Festival concludes with the annual Performing Arts Evening.