Drakensberg Boys Choir School
Drakensberg Boys Choir School is a specialised music school in the Champagne Valley of KwaZulu-Natal, nestled at the base of the Central Drakensberg.
The Drakensberg Boys Choir School is a non-profit company registered under the Companies Act, managed by an executive headmaster and professional teachers and staff. The school's overall ownership and custody are held by a Board of Governors responsible for its long-term strategy and sustainability. The board members, mostly old boys and parents of old boys have worked tirelessly to maintain the school's premier status in South Africa and the world.
Since 1967, the Drakensberg Boys Choir School has grown to be recognised nationally and internationally for its exceptional work, music, musicians, and learners.
Contents
History
John Tungay, a choirmaster, approached his parents to turn the family farm into a choir school. In 1966, a dormitory, dining room, kitchen, and classroom were added to the farmhouse. By 1967, the school had 60 boys enrolled, attracting boys from all over the country. John realised the choir needed two hours of practice daily to travel overseas, so he asked his mother, "Ma" Tungay, to teach academics. The Tungay family played a significant role in the history of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, with Russell taking over management in 1968. The family sold the school and its 100-acre estate to a Board of Directors in 1981.
Alumni
The school's old boys include Deon van der Walt, Mark Behr, Deon Lotz, Terence Bridgett, Jacques Imbrailo, Dawid Kimberg, Clint Van Der Linde, Willem Vogel, Vaughan van Zyl, Nicholas Nicolaidis, Zwai Bala, Hilton Marlton, Paul du Toit, Phelo Bala, Loyiso Bala, Dawid Boverhoff, Jean-Philip Grobler, Ferdinand Liebenberg, Michael Barrett, Gareth Dry, Ralf Schmidt, Xander Kritzinger, Walter Butt, Hugo Roodt, Marshell Lombard, and Jurgen Hellberg.
Sources
Return to
Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc
Return to The ESAT Entries
Return to Main Page
