DRAKIES ….

 
DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL… 50 years old …
I am truly proud that DBCS are ambassadors for our wonderful country. 
I was privileged to enjoy an afternoon of their music at a Wednesday afternoon concert, and know that our reputation abroad is safe. Alongside their beautiful choral performances, they also add vibrant theatrical movement in their South Africa folk songs.
“There is something magical about music, something intangible and spell binding, which has the power to lift the spirits and make us believe that life is good and the future is promising. In the building of a national identity, these abstract components have a place: spirit, soul, rhythm, magic, goodwill and energy.” Excerpt from the programme from the Wednesday afternoon concert at DBC 22/02/2017
It all started 50 years ago, when John Tungay approached his parents about starting a choir school on their farm in the Cathkin Valley. They had been farming since 1955 but had to adapt to the changes in the Valley to keep afloat. During the early years, it was a real family affair, with “Ma” Tungay helping with the academic teaching of the boys and Russell Tungay taking over the administration of the school. It was only in 1981 that the Tungay family sold the school to the Board of Directors. Since the beginning DBCS has always been a boarding school for boys, focusing on choral music in their holistic education.
The main point that I am so proud of is that to go on tour and get concert status requires the boy to pass the mandatory 25 tasks, which vary from knowing the school’s history, conducting, performing a solo to the school and being a world-class guest in their host family’s home. This includes offering to wash the dishes, set the table and engage in polite non- controversial conversations with their hosts. Ensuring that we are only sending the best possible ambassadors out into the world. Receiving their concert status means that the boys get to wear the traditional “Drakies” blue and can wear their jabots. The DBCS do an average of two tours per year and this year they are doing an extensive tour to Japan. One of their main folk lore songs revolves around the plight of our wildlife in Africa and especially the rhino. 
So, take an afternoon trip up the Cathkin Valley …. Fill your soul with music…
 
Drakies website:
http://www.dbchoir.com