We are looking forward to welcoming parents to the school next

weekend.

I am conscious that the arrangements for the weekend are a deviation

from Parents’ Weekends of the past and I apologise for any

inconvenience caused to families who may, by now, have made

arrangements for that weekend, which did not include being at school on

a Saturday.

INSIDE:

MEET MEMBERS OF THE

DBCS BOARD

GREATNESS IS GROWN … A DEFINING MOMENT IN

DRAKIE HISTORY

Follow me to page 2

25/05/2018 I TERM 2 I NEWSLETTER

ISSUE

83

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School community for producing yet another great MiMs weekend. In particular, I

would like to thank all the boys for their tremendous resilience, dedication and professionalism during the preparation and the event

itself. We

GOODBYE TO STEVEN AND MELANIE…CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

MESSAGE FROM THE

EXECUTIVE HEAD

MESSAGE FROM OUR

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

son which you miss by not being here each day, to witness for yourself.

So the plans for the weekend include an opportunity for you to spend time with your son, to meet with his teachers

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.

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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.

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Till next time,

Greg Brooks

Executive Head

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).

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NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

WEDNESDAY CONCERT AWARDS

COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES

VOICE GROUP OF THE WEEK:

SOPRANOS

Alex Brits Caleb Saks Alec Gibson Bandile Nzuza

Brian Xulu Matthew Robinson Marco Marais Keenan Beeslaar

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CHORISTER OF THE WEEK OUTSTANDING SOLOIST

Owen Mngewu

nd Kriel

Armand Kriel

MENTORS OF THE WEEK

Douglas Yazbek - Walther de Bruin's mentor Luke Brown - Sabelo Skosana & Lethu Mashazi's mentor

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NEW BOYS OF THE WEEK

Ethan Seagreen Luthando Nyandeni

Sentle Seitlheko Tshiamo Boikhutso

NEW BOYS: COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES

Olwethu Nkonyane Caleb Coffey Noah Coffey

Tristan Hellberg Lethu Mashazi Khwezi Msimang Heath Houston Tshiamo Boikhutso

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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)

NEWS FROM OUR OLD BOYS

Jannie Adendorff conducting the

choir at rehearsal

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GET TO KNOW THE STAFF MEMBERS AT DBCS

Gretha Roberts Sanele Zikhali

Qualifications: BCom (UCT), Postgraduate Certificate in

Education (UNISA)

Background: I have taught Maths for 18 years at various

high schools, mostly in Johannesburg. Most of my time

spent was at Parktown High School for Girls and St Mary’s

(Waverley). I am passionate about teaching problem

solving and I think Maths is the most important subject for

developing these skills.

Future aspirations: My aspirations are to be a good

mother to my little boy and to further developing my skills

in teaching future. I would love continue to teach

teenagers, but in future I would also like to train and teach

adults problem solving skills.

I grew up in Ingwavuma in Northern KZN. After matric, I took a gap year and that is when I became interested in teaching. I taught at a special school that year teaching pupils with different physical and intellectual disabilities. I attended many conferences, learning how to teach at a special school and I was fascinated by what I learned. This then led to my studying to become a teacher. I spent the following two years as a teacher intern at 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. I then moved to Michaelhouse where I spent four years,

continuing with my studies and majoring in isiZulu and

English. I also involved myself in the sports and

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.

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INTERNATIONAL TOUR – GERMANY, AUSTRIA & SWITZERLAND 2017

International Choir 2018

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

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SNIPPETS 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

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MEET 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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Max Tanesse

NEWS FROM THE SPORT DEPARTMENT

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

Drakies in action on the Rugby field!

ACTION ON THE SPORT FIELDS

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Brett Fernihough Caleb Saks

Nkazimulo Mabaso

31 May

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

Calendar 25 May – 2 June 2018

DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL

PRIVATE BAG X20 | WINTERTON 3340 | KWAZULU-NATAL | SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +2736 468 1012 | Fax: +2736 468 1709 | Email: administration@dbchoir.com | www.dbchoir.com

INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION NOT FOR GAIN - NPO 002-106

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