ANNUAL MAGAZINE - Dominican Convent School

CREATIVE EXPRESSION
HS Choir and Marimba
Special
Moments
The DCS Choir has been growing from strength
to strength. I have seen the choir grow from
being a group of about 40 girls and only 2
boys. It is encouraging to say today the Choir
has 10 boys. I am nevertheless, hoping to have about
20 boys. That is my dream. Our boys should realise
that they are needed in Choir, and are good singers
and are extremely talented. All the good singers in the
world began by singing in church or school choirs.
The highlight of the DCS Choir was the UK Tour. At first I
thought the idea of touring overseas was just a dream. But when
the preparations became intense, I realized that a dream was
about to come true. The hard work that was displayed by the
Choir members cannot be overlooked. I had about 15 learners
joining the Choir just two months before the tour. Those were
the Marimba players who were also going on tour. Mrs Kokolo
and I realised that if we had to take Choir and Marimba Band on
tour, then both groups would have to play the marimbas and also
sing. Both groups worked unceasingly, trying to perfect whatever
they were doing.
Our success would not have been accomplished had it not been for
the assistance of Ms Kokolo, who is the Marimba Band Director. I
will always cherish the relationship we had together. It would be
wrong not to single out our past and present learners who have
contributed to the advancement of the Choir. I will always be
grateful to Erica da Silva, Leatile Gaelae, Xolile, Mbali Ngcobo.
The present learners who have excelled in grooming the choir
include Katleho Noto, Phumzile Madiba, Monde Ndlumbini,
Dimpho Motloung, Bontle Serai, Karabo Mabe, Andre Msimango,
and there are many Choir members I have not named who have
contributed in a special way.
The UK tour was an eye-opener. Wherever we sang, people were
overwhelmed. There are many special moments that will always
linger in our minds. Singing for Sir Richard Branson was exciting.
The highlight of our tour was to sing at South Africa House, where
we entertained the High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr Zola
Skweyiya and his guests. It was quite an experience to sing for an
audience at Salisbury Cathedral. There was not a dry eye in the
whole Cathedral after we sang. All in all, it is amazing to work
with such talented young people. Long live DCS Choir!
ROSAlia Motha
Choir Director
IVUMO: Primary choir performs at the Ivumo Choir Festival, 16 June
Festivals AND EisteddfodS
CORlIA FouRIe | Director of Music
It was such an honour to be chosen to participate in the finals of
this competition. The other schools in the senior choir, Primary
School category included: Laerskool Constantiapark, Laerskool
Garsfontein and Kingsmead College.
The standard was exceptionally high and
the adjudicators were most impressed by
our performance.
We had to sing for 20 minutes. Our
programme included a variety of
styles, namely an Afrikaans song
and a traditional item. Our choir
is special because a great number
of pupils are in Grade 3 and are
actually too young for the
senior category.
Dominican Convent School won
the Spirit Award. It was given to our
choir for displaying the best team spirit,
camaraderie and respect. This award also takes the general
visual presentation and performance into account. Laerskool
Garsfontein was chosen as the best choir in the category.
I am so proud of every choir member. I would also like to thank
Mr Michael Burrell, Mrs Martha Bouman, Mrs Joyce Machogo
and Sister Lucy for their dedication, love and time. This was a
team effort and I appreciate all the support.
“We tried our best and made our teachers proud.”
“We
sang our
best. The joy and
smiles on our
faces showed that
we were proud”
Zinhle Makane, Gr 7R
Saheti
Eisteddfod
The High School Choir, led by Mrs Rosalia Motha, earned the
highest honour, a Diploma, at the Saheti Eisteddfod. One of
the adjudicators commented:
“Wow, what talent you have. Natural voices indeed!”
Khanya Majozi won Silver and Neo Manasha won
Gold for their dramatic monologues.
“I was really nervous when I got to Saheti, but as soon as I
started performing, I felt like I was home. This is what I have
been waiting for. Even though I fumbled a little I am very happy
to have received a Diploma. It was really unexpected and I would
like to thank Mrs Omsky for preparing me and the other performers.”
AYAnDA AfRICA, gr 10a
CSO Choir
Festival
DCS shone at the 2012 CSO Choir Festival, and were easy crowd
favourites. Both the Primary and High School Choirs performed,
and were joined by violins for the mass ensemble item.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
KhuMO Peete, Gr 7B
“It was a great opportunity to be in the finals.”
Nonhlanhla Maclare, Gr 7B
“I was very nervous and did not hear our singing, but many said that we
sang beautifully.”
MASAna Sithole, Gr 7R
36 Dominican CONVENT SCHOOL 2012
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