83 Drakensberg Boys Choir
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25/05/2018 I TERM 2 I NEWSLETTER
ISSUE
83
INSIDE:
A DEFINING MOMENT IN GREATNESS IS GROWN …
DRAKIE HISTORY We are looking forward to welcoming parents to the school next
weekend.
I am conscious that the arrangements for the weekend are a deviation
MEET MEMBERS OF THE from Parents’ Weekends of the past and I apologise for any
DBCS BOARD inconvenience caused to families who may, by now, have made
arrangements for that weekend, which did not include being at school on
a Saturday.
Follow me to page 2
MESSAGE FROM
MESSAGE OURTHE
FROM
EXECUTIVE HEAD
EXECUTIVE HEAD
GREATNESS IS GROWN … (continued from page 1)
We realise and respect that you wish to spend as much time with your boy as possible but it is also important that
we, as the School, engage with our parent community on the progress each boy is making. This does not stop at his
academic performance but includes how he socialises with his peers, details his level of happiness and contentment
with life as a Drakie and brings the broader family together, so to speak, presenting you with a perspective on your
I would like
son to take
which youthis
missopportunity to here
by not being thankeach
the day,
School
to community for producing yet another great MiMs weekend. In particular, I
witness for yourself.
would like to thank all the boys for their tremendous resilience, dedication and professionalism during the preparation and the event
itself. So
Wethe plans for the weekend includeGOODBYE TO for
an opportunity STEVEN AND
you to spend MELANIE…
time with your son,CONTINUED
to meet with
FROMhis teachers
PAGE 1
on his academic and musical progress, to watch him participate in sport and (if you wish, to join in) to enjoy time in
the company of other parents and to visit our “mini Expo,” presented by a number of local, independent High
Schools.
A small handful of parents have made different arrangements for next weekend and I respect that, but I do trust
that we will have a full and invested turn-out next Saturday from the rest of you.
Going forward, a full weekend will allow all of this happen and we have a number of objectives we would like to
accomplish during the time available:
Engagement with the parent community. We do need to be able to sit down with parents and to unpack
common issues, whether around school life in general or as these may apply to your son.
The boys are committed to their sports programme and would love to demonstrate to you their levels of
competence and have you alongside the field vocalising your support and encouragement.
Even in a boarding school, it is important that parents feel a part of the process. Parents’ Weekends
allow for this. This is when parental gees is established and lasting friendships are built. If I consider the
wonderful teamwork by the group of mums and dads who have been planning this weekend’s concert in
Johannesburg, then I think you get my point.
We have a number of relevant talks for parents, by experts in various fields, ideally suited to weekends
of this nature that we would like to host.
I see that our Term 3 diary schedules Parents’ Weekend for 10 and 11 August. If you could pencil that in, we will
publicise our plans at a later stage, but our intention will be to make it a full and impactful time together.
2
I’ve been taking a close look at demands we place on the boys, both academically and musically and how they cope with
those demands whilst mastering the skills they need. For sure, our boys grow from being greenhorn, newbies into capable,
skilled, confident and self-assured young men at the end of their Drakie journey, but within that process there has to be
clearly defined recipe that extracts the latent talent with which they arrive here.
Daniel Coyle, author of The Talent Code, argues that greatness isn’t born… it’s grown and his statement got me thinking
about how we go about our business. It goes without saying that a boy must have a modicum of singing and academic
talent to be accepted here, but is that sufficient if he wishes to become great at what he does?
Talent hotbeds are mysterious places and as the first of our new boys comes to the end of Training Status and his 30 tests,
what Coyle writes about the development of talent resonated loudly with me. He sets the scene by sketching a powerful
learning scenario, where Australian music psychologists, Gary McPherson and James Renwick, tracked the progress of a
13-year-old girl learning the clarinet. The girl was not particularly talented; in fact she manifested an expression of sleepy
indifference and was classified as being musically mediocre. She lacked a good ear, her sense of rhythm was average and
her motivation below par. Yet on one morning, McPherson’s camera captured this average kid doing something distinctly
un-average. In five minutes and fifty-four seconds she accelerated her learning speed by ten times… and she didn’t even
notice.
The girl was working on a song, “Golden Wedding,” a 1941 tune by jazz clarinettist, Woody Herman. She liked the song
and she was going to play it.
Coyle writes…
She draws a breath, plays two notes and stops. Her eyes narrow. She stares at the paper and then plays seven notes, the
song’s opening phrase. She misses the last note and immediately stops, jerking the instrument from her lips and squinting
again at the music. Singing the phrase softly to her herself, Dah dah dum dah, she starts again, making it a few notes
further into the song, missing the last note, backtracking, patching in the fix. Now the opening is beginning to have verve
and feeling, although it is still pretty bad. It’s not music; it’s a broken-up, fitful, slow-motion batch of notes, riddled with
stops and misses.
Common sense would lead us to believe that the girl is failing, but in this case, common sense would be wrong.
Coyle notes that what McPherson and Renwick discovered was that new things were manifesting themselves, incredibly
powerful yet subtle things. As the child played the phrase again and again, she added a new layer of spirit, rhythm and
swing. She did not ignore her errors; she heard them and fixed them. She fitted small parts into the whole, in a highly
targeted, error-focused process.
And as the song began to emerge, so too did a new quality emerge from within the child.
Now, if I compare this to the many rehearsals I have witnessed here, then I see much the same process unfolding.
Scientifically, what we are doing at Drakies is tapping into a neurological mechanism in which certain patterns of targeted
practice build the required skill. To support this statement, have you ever wondered how your boy manages to learn as
many songs as he does, or to memorise lyrics in Hebrew, Latin or German and in such a short space of time? So, the more
time and energy a boy puts into the right type of practice, the more the right signals fire through his neurological circuits
and the more skill he develops.
And to witness a rehearsal is very often to see exactly the same process being carried out, that our girl clarinettist
followed. The boys sing. Chef stops them. They go back and start again or pick up the piece at a certain point. Then the
tempo is too fast. Then the rhythm isn’t working. Then it is too loud, then too soft and so the song is tried, again and again
and again, until subtle nuances, the likes of which your and my untrained ears will not pick up, are reflected in the song.
3
By comparison, I watch the concert every Wednesday. I instantly recognise each song in the Folklore section and am familiar
with each dance sequence, so one might assume that I should be able to hold my own, should Chef be foolish enough to
invite me on stage. Simply put, though, I have not drilled those skills through repetition and through hours of start-stop-start
again-repeat-fix-restart rehearsal into any form of acceptable performance that would allow me to showcase my hidden
talents.
I lack what Coyle refers to as “deep practice” or what another author, Malcolm Gladwell would term “10 000 hours of
mastery”.
Talent being developed here only comes from hard work. This calls for what visiting psychologist, Steve Mack, who spent a
few days with us this week, calls the, “3Cs”: Commitment, Communication and Collaboration.
What he suggested to the boys was that they need to ask themselves regularly why they are here and to recommit to the
ideals that drew them to Drakies in the first place. Then and particularly as we prepare for World Choir Games, the boys (or
the team) need to communicate with each other, to iron out any differences that might exist between them, to be
empathetic when speaking to each other and considerate of each other’s feelings. Finally, they need to collaborate for the
good of the team, to realise that there is an ideal to which they are striving that is greater than personal ambition or selfish
interest.
It seems to me that not only are musical skills being developed here, but also essential life skills which, when rolled together,
deliver a considerate, compassionate, empathetic and uniquely skilled young man.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Last Word.
You will become clever through your mistakes (German proverb).
Till next time,
Greg Brooks
Executive Head
4
NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
WEDNESDAY CONCERT AWARDS
COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES
Alex Brits Caleb Saks Alec Gibson Bandile Nzuza
Brian Xulu Matthew Robinson Marco Marais Keenan Beeslaar
VOICE GROUP OF THE WEEK:
SOPRANOS
5
CHORISTER OF THE WEEK OUTSTANDING SOLOIST
Owen Mngewu Armand Kriel
nd Kriel MENTORS OF THE WEEK
Douglas Yazbek - Walther de Bruin's mentor Luke Brown - Sabelo Skosana & Lethu Mashazi's mentor
6
NEW BOYS OF THE WEEK
Sentle Seitlheko Tshiamo Boikhutso
NEW BOYS: COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES
Ethan Seagreen Luthando Nyandeni Olwethu Nkonyane Caleb Coffey Noah Coffey
Tristan Hellberg Lethu Mashazi Khwezi Msimang Heath Houston Tshiamo Boikhutso
7
NEWS FROM OUR OLD BOYS
A DEFINING MOMENT IN DRAKIE HISTORY
For four years the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir had toured the length and breadth of South Africa. They had become a
household name, and their reputation as a centre for musical excellence was beyond question. Rehearsing between three
and four hours a day, six days a week, the boys were extremely well drilled and produced superb music. But their reputation
was only known within the borders of South Africa and neighbouring Zimbabwe; where they had completed one successful
tour. It was time to test the concert halls of Europe, and so, in the last quarter of 1971 they set off on their first overseas
tour. The itinerary was Portugal, France and England.
At their first concert, at Wigmore Hall in London, tragedy struck. Their conductor suffered a suspected heart attack and was
rushed to hospital. Cancellation seemed imminent, but the boys wouldn’t have anything of it and insisted that “the show
must go on.” Then came a defining moment in the school’s history: something which characterises the spirit and the work
ethic of the school. Twelve year old Jannie Adendorff stepped forward, took the baton and effortlessly conducted the
concert as if it was something he’d been doing for years. Needless to say, the performance drew thunderous applause, and
the boys were called back on stage for no less than six encores.
The news spread like wildfire and audiences flocked to the concerts. Critics compared them favourably with the Vienna
Boys’ Choir. Whether they were or weren’t better is irrelevant. The fact that a group of boys from a tiny, unknown farm
school in the Drakensberg were being mentioned in the same sentence as the world’s most famous Boys’ Choir, was in itself
a huge achievement. But what really stood out was that these boys, under the guidance of one of their fellow choristers,
could perform so well despite the adverse situation. It spoke volumes about the maturity, discipline and craftsmanship of a
choir where the average age was a mere twelve years.
One may be forgiven for assuming that Jannie’s heroism was a once off, but it wasn’t. The following year in Middelburg
(Mpumalanga), he was again called on to take over the reins, and again the boys’ delivered a faultless performance.
He was the hero of the day on both occasions, but he could only do what he did because he had the support of his peers;
and for a ‘Drakie’, excellence is second nature. They live, learn, play and study together, and most of all, spend hours upon
hours rehearsing together. And when they sing, they sing for each other. It is that discipline and work ethic that has led
them to wow audiences on six continents for fifty years and consistently be regarded as one of the world’s best.
Jannie Adendorff was Head Boy in 1972, and his actions have served as an inspiration to many Drakies over the decades.
Jürgen Hellberg
(Old Drakie)
Jannie Adendorff conducting the
choir at rehearsal
8
GET TO KNOW THE STAFF MEMBERS AT DBCS
Gretha Roberts Sanele Zikhali
I grew up in Ingwavuma in Northern KZN. After matric, I
took a gap year and that is when I became interested in
Qualifications: BCom (UCT), Postgraduate Certificate in
teaching.
Education (UNISA)
I taught at a special school that year teaching pupils
with different physical and intellectual disabilities. I
Background: I have taught Maths for 18 years at various attended many conferences, learning how to teach at a
high schools, mostly in Johannesburg. Most of my time special school and I was fascinated by what I learned.
spent was at Parktown High School for Girls and St Mary’s This then led to my studying to become a teacher.
(Waverley). I am passionate about teaching problem
solving and I think Maths is the most important subject for I spent the following two years as a teacher intern at
developing these skills. Clifton Nottingham Road while continuing with my
studies. This is when I developed a special interest in
different learning styles as part of my work entailed
sitting in class and working with a dyslexic pupil.
Future aspirations: My aspirations are to be a good
mother to my little boy and to further developing my skills I then moved to Michaelhouse where I spent four years,
in teaching future. I would love continue to teach continuing with my studies and majoring in isiZulu and
teenagers, but in future I would also like to train and teach English. I also involved myself in the sports and
adults problem solving skills. boarding aspects of the school. I completed my BEd
through the University of South Africa. My future
aspirations are to further my studies in psychology in
order to broaden my knowledge of pupils at the
adolescent stage of development.
9
INTERNATIONAL TOUR – GERMANY, AUSTRIA & SWITZERLAND 2017
On Monday 14 May, 52 Drakies and 5 staff members arrived back in sunny South Africa after a wondrous, inspiring (and
exhausting) 12-day concert tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We gave concerts in packed concert halls, world-
class theatres and heavenly cathedrals, all too extremely appreciative and engaging European audiences. Our hosts
took us on culinary adventures of cheese, bread, deli meats, schnitzels, potato dumplings, and some more bread,
cheese and schnitzels. The Drakensberg Boys Choir attended the European Festival of Youth Choirs, in Basel,
Switzerland, where we were the only choir not from Europe to be invited to participate in the festival – an honour only
extended to choirs of a high calibre. A truly memorable time was had by all. We made many new friends and our
deepest gratitude goes to the Ulm Bläserphilharmonie in Germany, Gerhard and Christa Bayer in Austria, and all the
exceptional organisers and guides of the choir festival in Basel – you left handprints on our hearts. May we soon be
able to return the favour here in our majestic mountains.
For more detailed accounts of our adventures in Europe, please visit our Facebook page for photos and links to our
daily tour blog.
Junine Krüger
International Choir 2018
10SNIPPETS FROM THE SAN
Queues during San sessions have been longer than usual this week. As winter looms, it seems a flu-like bug or
two has landed. Despite diligent measures to curb cross-infection, there is little one can do about boys being
clustered together during choir sessions. And a lot of breathing is involved in singing. I can almost picture millions
of microbes suspended in a haze around them during rehearsals. Clever stage lighting nicely enhances the illusion
during concerts.
Regrettably (for a few), that’s all for today’s Snippets. There are other pressing demands from my real job –
including a batch of unanswered e-mails that need to be dealt with. Composing replies to members of the
Anxious Parents’ Society can be tricky and takes time. One has to be terribly careful with some of them.
Sister Lianne
NEWS FROM BOARDING
TUNGAY HOUSE
Saturday evening 19 May saw Walter de Bruin, Tshiamo Boikhutso, Sabelo Skosana, Tristan Hellberg and
Nic Robinson enjoying prawns, rice and potato wedges followed by ice cream and chocolate sauce at
supper with the Branches. Mr Branch was the Chef and Mrs Branch was the waitron. The five new boys
were the first to pass test 24 and above of their 30 music tests.
Keith and Merle Branch
House Parents
Back: Walter de Bruin,
Tristan Hellberg
Front: Tshiamo Boikhutso,
Sabelo Skosana, and Nic
Robinson
11MEET MEMBERS OF THE DBCS BOARD
HONEY MAMABOLO
Honey Mamabolo, mother of DBCS old boy, Julio
Mamabolo, is the Chief Executive Officer of Thebe
Unico (Unico), a 53-year-old specialty chemical
manufacturer for the automotive sector and
subsidiary of Thebe Investment Corporation (TIC).
She also serves on the boards of Sekelo Oil Trading,
Thebe Solar Energy Holdings and the Gauteng
Innovation Hub Management Company’s
Investment Committee.
As one of the first three black female Chemical
Engineering graduates from the University of
Pretoria, Honey has 18 years of experience across
various sectors including mining, retail banking,
health insurance, energy, development finance,
private equity and specialty chemical
manufacturing. Prior to joining Unico, Honey was
the Senior Manager responsible for Business
Development, Strategy and Corporate Finance at
TIC.
Honey is passionate about education, people development, development finance, entrepreneurship and
emerging markets. In 2007, during her sabbatical, Honey co-founded Vision Awake Africa for Development
(VAAFD) – a Ghanaian and Liberian registered non-profit organization focusing on providing access to
education to victims of the Liberian civil war. She is still involved in the organisation’s fundraising activities
and serves on the advisory board.
On 9 August 2018, Honey will be attempting to climb the Roof of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro - as part of
theTrek4Mandela Centenary Climb in support of Caring4Girls - an NPO committed to keeping the girl child
in school by ensuring that she does not miss fifty days of schooling a year owing to the lack of sanitary
towels.
Besides spending time with family, Honey enjoys travel, golf, trail and road running. In addition she
recently began remodelling antique furniture and collecting of vintage tea sets.
Honey lives by the mantras “Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard” and “Never look
down on someone unless you are helping them up”.
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NEWS FROM THE SPORT DEPARTMENT
ACTION ON THE SPORT FIELDS
Arriving at the side-lines of the rugby field, you could almost feel the excitement and anxiety of the boys
awaiting their first match of the season. The boys played hard against tough opponents. It was clear that the
game challenged them both physically and emotionally. It was lovely to see staff members and boys coming
down to support the boys play. And in spite the final score, the boys should be motivated to train harder for
their next game.
Keegan Bentley
Max Tanesse
Drakies in action on the Rugby field!
16HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Nkazimulo Mabaso
31 May
Caleb Saks
Brett Fernihough
17DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL
Calendar 25 May – 2 June 2018
DATE EVENT TIME
24-27 May Expo Clearwater Mall
25-27 May Johannesburg Tour (Whole School)
27 May Chapel 18:00-19:00
30 May Wednesday Concert 15:30-17:30
1-3 June Parents Weekend
2 June Compulsory Sport Fixture 11:30-14:30
3 June Chapel 18:00-19:00
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