Extra-mural Music

The Music Department at Rustenburg High School for Girls flourishes in an environment that is supportive of the Arts. Music has a long and rich heritage at the school, with the School Song dating from 1910, written by Dr Thomas Barrow-Dowling, a music master at the school, who was also the organist and master of the choristers at St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town from 1888-1926.

We offer a wide range of extra-mural groups, including two Choirs (Chamber and General), an Orchestra, Jazz Band and Wind Band. Various small ensembles include Berocca G (Baroque ensemble), Flute, Saxophone, Guitar, Keyboard, Clarinet, Brass, Percussion, Recorder, and String ensembles, a Piano Trio, a Jazz Combo, Vocal Quartet and the Savuyisa Senior & Junior Marimba Bands. We also have a very active Music Society run by a small committee of learners and co-ordinated by a music teacher.

Our activities include an annual outing to a CPO rehearsal at the City Hall, a Recorder Symposium, a Music Workshop and various concerts, including the Junior and Senior Music Spotlight Concerts and an Annual Music Concert. The Jazz Band and Vocal Quartet perform in the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival at the Baxter Theatre and some members attend the Grahamstown National Youth Jazz Festival. We have an annual Choral event in which the Choirs, Concert Band and Orchestra collaborate with Rondebosch Boys’ and SACS High Schools and the Beau Soleil Music Centre, with a guest conductor. The Annual Awards’ Dinner recognises senior learners’ achievements and their commitment and dedication to Music.

Our annual Carol Service and concert at St Paul’s Church, Rondebosch continue to raise funds for, amongst others, the African Scholars’ Fund, the Peninsula School Feeding Association and Little Angels.