Clarendon Park

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Music Department

At the end of their grade 3 year, all Clarries learners are tested for musicality. The test  works on the premise that those taking the test, have no knowledge or previous training in music. Those who pass this test are given the opportunity to take music through the school at a nominal annual fee.

We offer tuition in piano, acoustic guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and drum kit. Whilst those taking lessons in woodwind and brass instruments are able to hire instruments, those wishing to take lessons in piano, guitar and drums are required to have an instrument at home. Learners receive two lessons a week, which are based on a rotating time-table and they therefore do not miss the same academic lessons each week. Most of these lessons are taken as part of a small group of learners all playing the same instruments.

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Clarries Band

Those who opt to take lessons in woodwind and brass instruments ,and the drum kit are used in the two school bands. The first is the beginner band, comprising mostly grade 4 and 5 learners. Here learners learn the basics of ensemble playing with an emphasis on holding a harmony, playing in time and developing dynamic contrasts in their playing.

After a year in the beginner band, they join the senior band where they have the opportunity of playing at such varied events as Art-in-the-Park, church services, school functions, fundraisers, the Addo rose show, etc. The emphasis in the senior band is on entertainment value and a greater empathy and knowledge of ensemble playing.

Every third year the senior band undertakes a tour – definitely the highlight of any aspiring musicians! We have been fortunate in undertaking 3 tours to Cape Town since 2002. Whilst the main aim of the tour is to give the band the chance of playing for a wider audience, learners are also lucky enough to go up Table Mountain, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and of course to SHOP in the Mother City.

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Clarries Choir

Clarries also boasts two choirs. The first of these is the junior choir which is for grade 2 and 3 pupils and which practises on Wednesday afternoons. The second choir is the senior choir which is for pupils from grade 4 to grade 7 and which practises on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Both choirs perform at choir evenings, festivals and awards day. In addition, the senior choir undertakes a tour every third year. They have toured to various places, pupils thus having the opportunity of performing for diverse audiences and learning such skills as riding camels and feeding animals, or merely exploring the beauties of Table Mountain during the free time of tours.

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Outdoor Club

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Art Club