Cheetham has had a very successful year and has exceeded all expectations.
Our first performance was at the beginning of the year at the Academic Prize-giving. We played a wide selection of music, which was very well received by the pupils, teachers and parents. Our sound was enhanced by the fresh Grade eight members, who sacrificed their “Fun Day” to join the Wind Band in impressing the audience. We were very proud of our fellow members, who received awards and certificates proving that one can be both academically and culturally inclined!
Although successful, our second performance was a very sad occasion as we celebrated the life of the late Mrs Wendy Badier, in the form of a feast of music. This event was held at the Walmer Town Hall on 20 February. Despite the delay caused by the forgotten keyboard lead, the morning was a truly memorably and joyous musical event.
The band had the opportunity of marketing the school early in the year to the Grade seven pupils at numerous primary schools. The members of the band were extremely proud of performing in front of their younger peers at their past primary schools and also showing off their improved playing skills.
On 4 May the band, travelled to Despatch to participate in the Kunsfees. We went in the new school bus, driven by Dr Clarke. During preparation for the Kunsfees, we paid special attention to the finer details of our pieces and by doing this, our efforts and long hours of practicing certainly paid off when we were awarded an A+, better known as a gold award. We were invited to play at the Despatch Prestige Award winners’ concert on the following week, but unfortunately, the date clashed with other school commitments that had already been arranged for that evening.
The Victoria Park Arts Festival is an event held every second year at the school. The main aim of the festival is to introduce the “sportier” pupils of the school to the fine arts! The Wind Band was thrilled to have the opportunity to play an hour programme in the huge white tent. The audience couldn’t have applauded louder.
We are currently busy preparing for the Music Department’s annual Spring “Extravaganza” to be held on 8 October in the Blake Hall. This concert showcases the Matrics, who perform their solos within the band. It is their last performance and we bid farewell to Chad Willatt (our very own Louis Armstrong on trumpet); Sivenathi Makhubalo (euphonium player), Astrid Fankhauser and David Goedhart (percussion), Grace Erasmus (keyboard), Michelle Drake (drum kit) and Christopher Jacobson (tenor saxophone). Thank you all for your dedication to the band and always being the best example to your fellow members. We wish you the best of luck for next year and in the years to come.
On behalf of the band, I would also like to thank Mrs Cheetham for her hours of work, weeks of preparation and years of experience that she devotes to her “children in the band.”
MICAELA PAULS
