85 84 This year was the first time I experienced a Term 1 at Kearsney, and I was unsure what to expect. We left 2022 on a high note. We were growing, both musically and in members, with 20 musicians signed up. I heard exciting rumours of boys wanting to join the Orchestra and Marimba Band. After the initial rehearsals of 2023, the orchestra had grown to 30+ members. We realised we needed to order additional music stands! It has been a productive year in the Music Block. In addition to the standard menu, we were preparing for the Kat and the Kings production and had launched an exciting Jazz Band. We were preparing different “dishes” every week. A few highlights of the year for the orchestra were the performances at the Open Weekend, the Freedom Day Festival, Supper Theatre events and the traditional Grandparents’ Day and Speech Day. Our collaboration with St Anne’s Diocesan College was very special and thoroughly enjoyed by all. One of my personal goals for the Orchestra this year was to challenge the boys with a new repertoire, that made them step out of their comfort zones. As always, the initial rehearsal period is slow and, from time to time, frustrating, but we successfully managed to show what this fantastic ensemble can produce. The newly-formed Jazz Band were thrown in the deep end immediately, having to play a challenging Big Band repertoire from giants like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. at the second Supper Theatre. The boys performed splendidly, having sacrificed every tea break to be in top form. The Jazz Band finished off in style at the Carol Service, sounding tight and crisp, performing ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’. The Marimba Band had a hugely successful performance at the Open Weekend, showing off their new repertoire and skill set. I thank all the members of these fine ensembles for their commitment. They displayed growth and loyalty and for that I am forever grateful. To the leaving Grade 12 Head of the Orchestra, Blessings Chiluba, a big thank you for all your input and professionalism. You will be missed. As we finish 2023, who knows what the future will hold? The Orchestra’s last piece of 2023 was ‘Into the Unknown’, a song from Frozen . My hope is that 2024 will be just as ‘unknown’ as my entering into 2023 - a continuation of beautiful music-making filled with laughter and excellence. Mr Jonas Brolin Teacher in Charge Orchestra, Jazz Band and Marimba Band MARIMBA BAND Back row (L-R): Kyle Berry, Mnikelo Madlala, Bjorn Kruger, Joshua Griffiths, Snokuhle Mthembu Front row: Tjama Keta, Caleb Saks, Mr Jonas Brolin, Mogau Tladi, Khwezi Msimang ORCHESTRA Back row (L-R): Connor van Heerden, Bjorn Kruger, Craig McKenzie 4th row: Ruan Vandenheede, Khwezi Msimang, Ethan King, Liam Botha, Shay Bagaria, Nathan van Jaarsveld 3rd row: Mpumelelo Mkhize, Rhys Hughes, Theeyash Govender, Oliver Mowat, Raghav Bhoola, Tjama Keta 2nd row: Kenton Saunders, George Sykes, Josh Robertson, Tendekayi Moto, Rory Treleaven, Nathan Hotchkiss, Snokuhle Mthembu, Preethan Naidoo Front row: Joshua Griffiths, Daniel van Jaarsveld, Keagan Coetzee, Mr Jonas Brolin, Kristian Bunyan, Mogau Tladi, Kyle Berry
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