VIDEO: Northwood’s marimba band triumphs at SA school champs
This is the Durban North school’s second successive win in the competition, reclaiming the trophy they won last year.
NORTHWOOD School’s senior marimba band recently won the South African National Schools Marimba Competition for a second year running.
The Knights placed first for the boys’ high school category (with hosts Michaelhouse, placing second), and took the overall win in the competition, reclaiming the trophy they won last year.
The school’s junior marimba band followed closely in their footsteps, placing first in the High School Development Band category – an incredible achievement for the young musicians.
Northwood learner Obed Ephraim was awarded as Best Drummer of all schools.
Gareth Gale, the director of Music at Northwood School and coach of the senior marimba band, gave some insight into the achievement.
“We couldn’t be prouder of both bands. To see them take to the stage with such heart and determination and deliver the performances they did was simply phenomenal. It takes tremendous courage to stand up and perform the way they did, especially for our senior marimba band, who were defending their national title. Honestly, it isn’t easy, the pressure is immense, and the atmosphere is incredibly intense. I was speechless after the final and truly could not have asked for anything more,” he said.
Gale also praised the efforts of Jason Warren, who coaches the school’s junior marimba band and Heidi Steenkamp, who serves as the Master-in-Charge of marimbas.
“These performances are the result of countless hours of rehearsal, teamwork and commitment,” he said.
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