As many people know, Victoria Park is a bustling hive of academic excellence and sporting achievement. However, in the unfulfilled hearts of the pupils, there is always a deep dark longing for light hearted music and joviality, hence, the rise of the Steelband.

Since the band started, only 10 members strong, it has grown tremendously. It has attracted over 40 members, the majority of whom have no musical background.Their involvement in the band has taught them not only to play and enjoy music, but also to work as a team.

Throughout this year the senior Steel band has been quite busy, from entertaining potential grade 8’s at the Open Days -to competing against other Steel bands at the Despatch Eisteddfod. The junior band worked very hard and competed in their first Eisteddfodd. Congratulations on receiving a silver award

As we welcome new members from the Junior band into the Senior band, we sadly say goodbye to our matrics (two of them, Oyama and Gcobisa, founding members). They will be dearly missed and we wish them the best for the future.

Often music takes an unfair back seat to most sporting achievements but the Steel Bands’ popularity has set off fireworks in the ears of the listeners. Lessons take place every second break, and the

Steelbands’ sounds echo through the passages on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

In the fourth term, both Steelbands will take part in the Annual band Festival PAN EXPLOSION. This will take place in the Blake Hall at VP this year. Schools such as Theodor Herzl, Greame College, Lawson Brown and Westering High School will participate in the workshops and concert.

The Spring Extravaganza will take place on the 8 October 2010. The pupils taking music as a subject will be examined while performing with the different school bands and choir. Good luck to Vuyolwethu Dlwati who will perform with the senior band.

ALEXANDRA McCABE & REBECCA VOGEL