Boishaaier 2025

Culture

Suonare

Reghardt Kühn

Suonare, the school wind band of Paarl Boys’ High School, experienced another vibrant and musically fulfilling year in 2025, marked by growth, collaboration and a calendar packed with exciting performances. The year began with the much-loved annual Picnic Concert, once again set against the iconic backdrop of Paarl Mountain. Audiences were treated to an evening of festive music and camaraderie, highlighted by a thrilling performance from the guest artists, The Nomadic Orchestra, whose energetic brass-infused sound perfectly complemented the occasion. Despite the relaxed setting, the concert showcased the high standard of musicianship that Suonare continues to uphold. The band maintained its strong presence in the second term with performances at both the Band Extravaganza hosted by Stellenbosch University and the Windworx Fanfare, South Africa’s premier wind band festival. At these events, Suonare shared the stage with some of the province’s top ensembles, further cementing its reputation for musical excellence and versatility. Another proud milestone was achieved with the band’s invitation to perform at the inaugural Western Cape Prestige Concert for the Choral Celebration Network Foundation (CCNF), a testament to Suonare’s growing recognition in the broader choral and orchestral community. The third term launched with remarkable energy as Suonare participated in three major events within a single week. They performed at the first-ever Interschools

Culture Evening where music, theatre and art from surrounding schools were celebrated together for the first time. Shortly afterward, the band competed at the Montagu Eisteddfod, earning a Cum Laude for their performance, a proud achievement that reflected their musical maturity and discipline. This intense week concluded with the Paarl Interschools celebrations where Suonare once again brought their signature sound and spirit to the cultural festivities surrounding the traditional rivalry. The highlight of Suonare’s 2025 calendar was un doubtedly the Orchestra Festival, which served as the ensemble’s capstone event for the year. Hosted for the first time in the historic Toringkerk Hall, the festival brought together an exciting array of ensembles, including the Frank Pietersen Music Centre Wind Band, the Courtrai Marimba Band, Suonare’s own newly formed Jazz Band, and the beloved Old Boys Band. The evening was a celebration of collaboration, community and the shared joy of making music, a fitting culmination to an exceptional year. Although there was no gala concert this year, Suonare’s season concluded meaningfully with the Grade 12 Valedictory Service, where the band performed together for the final time in 2025. Their music provided a poignant farewell to the departing seniors, whose dedication and leadership helped shape another memorable chapter in Suonare’s journey.

Suonare Agter: Oliver Sales, Christopher Bristow, Finn Harris, Kian Trytsman, Derick Botha, Ben Meyer, Timothy November, Naba Tshiwula Middel: Zandre Calitz, Zach ten Haaf, Andro Louw, Juan Roberts, Charl Steenkamp, Wian van de Vyver, Matthew Lamprecht, Craig Waddington, Edward Schön Voor: Connor Bingham, me B Goldstone, Helgard Nolte (visie-leier), mnr R Kühn, Daniel Fulton (orkesleier), me M von Mollendorf, Jethro Deacon, me N Varney-Schutte, Michael Pearce

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