Music

The SACS Junior School music department is a vibrant and dynamic place where students can explore their musical talents and passions. We offer a wide range of instruments for students to learn, from recorder to piano, saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium, French horn, and drum kit.

Our students can also join various ensembles that cater to the different levels and styles of music. These include junior band, intermediate band, concert band, and jazz band, jembe and marimba ensembles, and three SACS choirs- age appropriate. Our music department aims to provide a rich and diverse musical education that fosters creativity, excellence and above all enjoyment.

Applicants remain on our database until placed and will roll over annually, i.e. you do not need to reapply each year. All music lessons are incorporated into the academic timetable during the school day. Therefore boys would need to be in a position to catch up on or complete the work done while he is at his music lesson. An applicant’s suitability is also therefore assessed in conjunction with his academic teachers.

Our music staff consists of highly qualified and experienced teachers who are passionate about music and education. They are dedicated to nurturing and inspiring our students to achieve their musical goals and aspirations.

Reon Jacobs (Head of music, Piano, Choir, Jazz band)
Karen Hess (Brass, Intermediate band, Choir)
Gemma Bellairs (Woodwinds, Choir, Concert band)
Lance Thuynsma (Clarinet, Class Music Gr. 4-7, Choir, Junior band)
Lyn Eastman (Development Programme/Recorder, FP Class Music Gr.1-3, Djembe & Marimba Ensembles, Choir)
Devin Jones (Drums)
Derek Fennell (Flute)

Fees

The music fees for 2024 are as follows:

Music Fees – 2024	Per Debit Order /EFT	Per Annum
Individual Music Fees	R509.00 x 10 months	R5 090
FP Group Recorder	R215.00 x 10 months	R2 150.00
Band Levy	R101.00 x 10 months	R1 010.00
Junior Band	R101 x 7 months – May – November	R707
Instrument Hire	R265 x 10 months	R2 650

Group Recorder

The Foundation Phase (FP) programme teaches the basics of reading notation and playing. At the end of their Grade Three year, we encourage pupils who have shown diligent application and progress to move on to another instrument in Grade Four. Participation in FP programme is not essential to acceptance for an instrument in Grade Four.

Please apply at the end of Grade Two.

Wind Instruments and Drums

In Grade Four, applicants are assessed at the beginning of each year to determine which instrument they are interested in and which suits them best. All these lessons are individual lessons.

All instruments: If your son wishes to apply for an instrument please apply at the end of grade three. Please apply here:

Piano

Individual piano lessons are offered to suitable applicants from Grade three onwards. A piano at home is a prerequisite. If your son wishes to apply for piano, please apply at the end of Grade Two. Please apply here:

Marimba and Djembe Ensembles

This is offered as an extra mural for all Grade Three to Seven boys. To apply please email Lyn Eastman.

Bands

Band practices are from 07:25 to 08:00am as follows:

Band	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Junior		✔		✔	✔
Intermediate		✔	✔		✔
Concert	✔		✔	✔
Jazz		✔			✔

After a term in Grade Four, the wind players who are ready, join the Junior Band. Thereafter they will be promoted to the Intermediate Band the following year. Placement in the Concert and Jazz Bands is on merit by audition and at the sole discretion of the Music Teachers.

Choirs

All boys in Grades Two and Three are auditioned for placement in the Junior Choir at the start of each year. Rehearsals are on a Monday and Wednesday from 07:25 to 07:55.

All Grade Fours as well as new or interested boys are auditioned at the start of each year for placement in the Senior or Chamber Choirs. Rehearsals are during the SURE period on a Monday and Wednesday from 08:00 to 08:30