Marimba Magic in Bloem

The St Stithians Boys’ Preparatory Marimba Band had a very successful tour to Bloemfontein from 5 -7 November 2015. In the past years the band has only performed at Grey Preparatory School during these visits however, this year three more performances were added.

Our first performance was at St Michaels School for Girl where the boys were very well received. The performance was in their beautiful chapel which had excellent acoustics. The girls really enjoyed the performance singing alone to some of the familiar pieces.

Through one of the former Headmasters of Grey College Mr Johan Volsteedt, Mr Sibanda was able to organise a performance at Tswellang School for the disabled in the township. After quickly packing the trailer up from St Michaels we rushed to the school and found all the children and teachers waiting patiently inside the hall. We quickly set up the stage while they filled the hall with their lovely song. The performance was one of the best the band has had this year. The audience really connected with the boys and there was a lot of dancing and singing. Everyone had a smile on their faces which was a joy to see.

Mr. Sibanda added his magic to the various performances and in the spirit of inspiring excellence and making a world of difference, he humbly gave of his time teaching the Tswellang  School  the day after the performance offering workshops on Marimba instruments.

Our next stop was Martie du Plesis School which is also a school for the disabled. The band was also very well received and Mr Sibanda called up the Martie du Plesis students up on stage for a quick workshop on the marimbas. This was enjoyed by all.

Our last stop was Grey College where we went to set up for the annual evening concert with the Grey Preparatory Boere Orkes and other musicians. The Music Director Mr Hendri Libenberg welcomed the audience, guests and St Stithians Boy’s’ Preparatory. He emphasised the important role music plays in our lives. The evening was filled with a variety of musical performances by the Grey Preparatory string ensemble, wind band, choir, Boer Orkes and our marimba band. The evening was concluded by a wonderful performance featuring The BP Marimba Band and the Grey Boere Orkes playing together the song Suikerbosse.

Thank you to Mr Galane, Mrs Humphrey and Mr Lennox for their assistance.