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Every Boy’s Rhythm

Music at Maritzburg College

Music Lessons, Groups, & Ensembles at College

Music has always been well-loved and supported at Maritzburg College. Since the establishment of a formal Music Department in 2014, boys enjoy more opportunities to learn, practice, and participate in the creative musical process.

Subject music is offered at College as part of the curriculum in Form 4 to 6 without attracting additional fees for tuition. We encourage students to begin their musical studies from Form 2 as achieving a pass in Form 6 requires at least a Grade 5 by the time they are in 6th form.

In-classroom Music runs alongside an inclusive extra-curricular programme. Every boy is encouraged to give life to his musical interests and our department is welcoming and helpful in introducing boys to music and guiding them as they grow their skills.

The Music School

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2nd form students who have played or have had formal lessons are offered lessons first on a first come first serve basis. Thereafter, teachers allocate slots to students who have not learnt before. These lessons happen during school hours and are free of charge. If there are spaces still available, these are open to boys in higher forms.

A wide range of musical instruments and teaching is on offer within the department. The department is currently under the leadership of Simon Stickells (brass). Jacques Heyns (Piano) and Joni Stickells (Violin and Piano) are resident subject music teachers. Bernard Kisbey-Green is our Woodwind and Drum teacher. Mr Leandros Stavrou is our Guitar Teacher.

Instruments Offered at Maritzburg College

  • Piano
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium/Baritone
  • Tuba
  • Clarinet
  • Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone
  • Drums
  • Bass Guitar
  • Guitar
  • Popular Voice (Rockschool)
  • Classical Voice
  • Violin
  • Cello

Jazz Band

The Music Department formed the Jazz Band in 2016 – under the direction of Simon Stickells. Filled with a keen group of music students, this group allows them an outlet for their musical talents and offers the opportunity to develop their ensemble and performance skills. From an initial group six boys who started the band in 2016, it has now grown to almost 30 boys. The ever-growing interest in this group makes it a popular social and recreational activity for boys to enjoy at College.

Choir

Our Music Department has a strong tradition of choral music. Under the direction of Joni Stickells, the College Choir perform regularly across the Pietermaritzburg, Midlands, and Durban area. The College Choir also adds their voices to choral competitions – growing their enjoyment of song alongside students from other schools. Over the years, College has participated in World Choir Games and is a regular competitor in the ATKV Applous Competition. All interested students are encouraged to sing in the College Choir to develop their voices and musical understanding.

Instrument Hire

Where boys have passion and talent for an instrument, the gold standard is – of course – for them to buy their own instruments. This is encouraged to support the ability to play independently on an ongoing basis – both at school and beyond. Understanding the scope of this investment, College has a wide array of instruments for hire from the school list above. This gives boys a chance to try their hand at their preferred instruments and provides an opportunity for every boy to explore his musical interests. These instruments are available for a small hire fee per year.

Musical Production

Performance is an important component in the life of a musician. Music at Maritzburg College intersects with Performing Arts at the school. Through the school’s exciting production calendar, musical boys are invited to participate in musical production. Opportunities exist for boys to get involved in song and musical performance on stage, as well as work with professional tools for sound and lighting. This engages boys across the full spectrum of music- and sound-based interests and gives them a grounding for future pursuits in this area.

Top-Class Music Facilities at Maritzburg College

The Pearson Music Centre was built in 2017 was formally opened by Keith Olivier on 15 September that year. The Music Centre was officially named after Clive Pearson, a previous headmaster, on 7 September 2018. The Music Centre boasts a band room with adjoining practice rooms, a theory class, a choir room, and a drum/guitar room. The Music Centre is also fully equipped with sound systems and amplifier equipment. We host small chamber music concerts in the band room and our bigger band and choir concerts in the Olivier Cultural Centre.

Every boy is musical. At Maritzburg College, our music school works with boys to develop their skills in preparation for tertiary study and a career in music – or for simple enjoyment of growing their ability and repertoire.

Every boy is musical. At Maritzburg College, our music school works with boys to develop their skills in preparation for tertiary study and a career in music – or for simple enjoyment of growing their ability and repertoire.