The Drakensberg Boys Choir School was initially founded in 1967 by a local family whose son’s ambition was to create a choir school to rival the Vienna Boys Choir. The prestige and renown which the school has garnered in the ensuing years is an indication of the success of this ambition and the path was paved to create a choir of Proudly South African brand-ambassadors who continue to fly the flag high today. The school caters for boys aged between 10-15 years (Gr 4-9) and is unique in that it is a boarding school which offers a dual curriculum: Academics and Music. This combination is a significant vehicle for holistic education.
The choir school is small, with places for only 120 choristers, and the boys who pass through our halls join a special list of talented and well-rounded alumni who have continued to shine in a variety of careers which reflect their interests and talents. Counted amongst these notable alumni are Deon van der Walt, Colin Lee, Clint van der Linde, Jacques Imbrailo, Nicholas Nicolaides, the Bala Brothers, Nathan Julius, Jean Grobler (front man of the band St Lucia) and Ralf Schmitt (Musical Director of the Ndlovu Youth Choir), Ndumiso Manana and Dominic Warren. The school is justifiably proud to have been the springboard to their success. We believe that our country has other talent hidden under wraps and hope that people step forward to follow in their legendary footsteps.
Because the recent pandemic protocols have restricted travel and touring, as well as limitations on live concerts, the school must rely on other means to recruit the potential choristers who will help to continue the tradition of this iconic South African choir. Online auditions are one such means of connecting with potential candidates. We are always in search of a golden voice and we appeal to you to connect us with any such candidate who may fit the bill. Currently we are auditioning ALL interested boys via the online process. It is important to note that while their singing talent and their passion for music in general is vital, they need NOT have studied music prior to their application.
The school will ensure their academic trajectory in music. Touring internationally is always our goal, and fortunately we were able to re-enter the international scene after Covid restrictions were lifted so that two planned tours took place towards the end of 2021. Eight boys were selected to represent the Choir and South Africa at Expo 2020, the largest business and tourism expo in Dubai. A further forty boys travelled to Namibia at the end of October to perform to audiences there. This year the choir are embarking on their annual National Tour which takes them from the Drakensberg Mountains to the iconic Table Mountain in the Western Cape. The tour is aptly named the 2 Mountains Concert Tour. Negotiations are also underway to send the choir on a tour to Italy later in the year.
Drakensberg Boys Choir School’s 2022 Open Day/Sleepover dates have been set. If you know of a boy who would enjoy a ‘Drakie’ experience and the opportunity to find out more about our unique school, please put him in touch with us. Enquiries via email: marketing@dbchoir.com or phone (036) 468 1012.