Boishaaier 2024

Culture

SUONARE

Reghardt Kühn

Suonare, the wind band of Paarl Boys’ High School, had an exceptional year in 2024, filled with numerous performances and significant achievements. The year started with their participation in the much-anticipated annual Picnic Concert, held against the majestic backdrop of Paarl Mountain. Despite some light rain, the audience thoroughly enjoyed the performances of the music students, and the atmosphere was elevated by the presence of top-class vendors offering a variety of delectable treats. The evening ended with a collaborative performance by Suonare and the school choir, Cantare, leaving the crowd energised after a thrilling set by the popular band Zamar. This community-centred event once again proved to be a great success, combining music and social enjoyment in an outdoor setting. The momentum continued into May with Suonare parti cipating in the Band Extravaganza hosted by Stellenbosch University. Sharing the stage with other prestigious schools, such as SACS and Durbanville High School, Suonare contributed to a grand celebration of wind band music. The evening ended on a particularly high note with Suonare’s conductor, Mr Kühn, leading the University of Stellenbosch Symphonic Wind Ensemble in a well-received performance. Shortly afterward, the band travelled to Grey College for the annual derby, where Suonare was an integral part of the cultural event, the Blue Grey evening. This concert brought together the cultural groups of both schools for an evening of rich musical exchange before the sporting competitions commenced. Suonare’s members were also fortunate to experience a dress rehearsal by the Free State Symphony Orchestra, further enriching their exposure to professional level performance. At the end of May, Suonare took part in the WindWorx Fanfare, the only wind band eisteddfod of its kind in South Africa. Held at Bellville High School, this event saw Suonare excel, earning the prestigious Highest Honours (Double

Gold) for their performance. Despite a packed schedule, the students balanced their musical responsibilities with academics and sporting activities, demonstrating their commitment and growth as musicians. In August, Suonare continued their strong run by par ticipating in the Paarl Valley Eisteddfod, where their performance earned them a well-deserved Gold+ result. This was swiftly followed by Suonare’s annual Orkesfees , an event that brought together a variety of bands, including La Rochelle Girls’ High School, the Frank Pietersen Music Centre, Eikestad Primary School, and the PBHS Old Boys orchestra. The evening’s highlight was the massed band performance in which musicians from all the participating groups joined forces, creating a powerful and memorable musical collaboration. The Orkesfees has continued to grow in prominence, and 2024’s edition was outstanding. The final performance of the year took place at the annual Gala Concert on 17 October, hosted at Hyundai Paarl. This event was especially significant as it honoured the school’s retiring headmaster, Mr Derek Swart. Suonare and Cantare collaborated in this tribute, performing two newly composed works by Kristi Boonzaaier. The first piece featured a new musical setting of the original school song’s lyrics, while the second was a moving adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem If , a favourite of Mr Swart’s. The performance was made even more memorable by the participation of Old Boys, adding a special sense of community and continuity to Mr Swart’s heartfelt farewell. In summary, 2024 was a remarkable year for Suonare, filled with numerous performances that showcased both their musical development and their ability to bring people together through music. Whether performing for their school, competing in prestigious eisteddfods or paying tribute to cherished figures, Suonare consistently delivered outstanding performances, proving once again their vital role in Paarl Boys’ High School’s cultural life.

Suonare (Blaasorkes) Agter: Nicolaas Kruger, Craig Waddington, Derick Botha, Kian Trytsman, Ben Meyer, Wian van der Vyver, Matthew Franklin Middel: Christopher Carstens, Jethro Deacon, Charl Steenkamp, Andro Louw, Oliver Sales, Matthew Lamprecht, Naba Tshiwula, Juan Roberts, Edward Schön Voor: Helgard Nolte, me M von Mollendorf, Daniel Fulton, mnr R Kühn, Jack Enslin, me B Goldstone, Levi Rechner, me N Varney-Schutte, Connor Bingham

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