ST ALBAN’S COLLEGE MUSIC PROGRAMME – AN OVERVIEW

Our St Alban’s College music programme emphasises a holistic approach to music that allows boys to participate in many different genres, underpinned by solid knowledge, critical evaluation of the subject, balanced appreciation and a supportive environment in which to perform.

From our world-class auditorium to our intimate practice rooms, we create spaces where boys can discover their authentic voices, develop technical mastery, and gain the confidence to perform and have their musical achievements celebrated. We understand that musical ability, like character, is built through both discipline and inspiration, and we believe that musicianship should be cultivated in every young man.

Academic music is offered from Form 1 through Matric, following the IEB syllabus. In Form 1 and 2, boys are introduced to the world of music and can choose it as an elective, while their interests and talents are explored. More experienced musicians are also accommodated to ensure that their musical growth and development continues. In their senior years, music as a subject focuses on three major components:

• Performance & Improvisation: Solo and ensemble playing, including regular concerts and masterclasses, along with the essential development of improvisational skills. Students are expected to take practical lessons on their chosen instrument. 
• Music Literacy: Music theory and notation, music harmony, aural skills, composition, music terminology, and critical analysis across genres. 
• General music knowledge and analysis: From Bach to amapiano, we celebrate global and South African culture – including different musical genres, traditions, industries and elements. Students study the History of Western art music, jazz, rock, contemporary twentieth-century styles, indigenous African music, urban South African styles and their respective composers or performers. 

Subject music is rigorous, rewarding, and deeply enriching. Music education develops a wide range of essential skills that shape well-rounded individuals. It sharpens cognitive abilities like memory, concentration, and critical thinking, while enhancing emotional intelligence through self-expression, empathy, and resilience. Through group work and ensemble performance, students build communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Personally, music fosters discipline, confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of identity — equipping young men not just to perform, but to thrive in all areas of life.

We offer individual vocal and instrumental lessons across a wide range of instruments and styles. Our professional music teachers and external faculty are passionate and highly qualified educators and accomplished performers. Lessons are tailored to suit the needs, levels, and aspirations of each student. Every subject music student is expected to take weekly individual practical lessons and meet minimum practical requirements at the end of each year. Our students usually surpass these minimum requirements with ease. The requirements are:

Form 1 – Grade 8: Practical Music Grade 1; Music Theory Grade 1

Form 2 – Grade 9: Practical Music Grade 2; Music Theory Grade 2

Form 3 – Grade 10: Practical Music Grade 3; Music Theory Grade 3

Form 4 – Grade 11: Practical Music Grade 4; Music Theory Grade 4

Form 5 – Grade 12: Practical Music Grade 5; Music Theory Grade 5

The above Grade levels are based on the following examining bodies for music: UNISA, The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Trinity College of Music (Classical and Rock and Pop Syllabi), and Rock School. A student may choose pieces NOT included in the syllabi of these institutions, but the pieces need to be at the required standard.

Performance builds confidence, courage, discipline, and self-awareness. Whether you’re a soloist, a chorister, producer or an instrumentalist, there’s a stage for you. Find your tribe. Feel the rhythm. Make noise. Have fun. We have the following ensembles where the boys can hone their musical talents:

• St Alban’s College Choir: Integral to school life and tradition, the choir brings our brotherhood’s spirit to life through passionate performances both locally and internationally. Their achievements include silver medals at the World Choir Games in Austria, successful tours to the USA and China, and victories in the ATKV Applous competition. Through six CD recordings and numerous acclaimed performances, the choir is renowned for its energy and passion 
• Barbershop Boys: A premier vocal group — elite, dynamic, and in-demand for major events. The Barbershop Boys is a small group of selected voices from the members of the Choir.  Only boys with exceptional voices achieve the distinction of being a part of this group of accomplished singers. They stand as one of the College’s finest PR assets, having earned international acclaim through successful tours to Argentina, Austria, the USA, and China. Their achievements include national television appearances on Kyknet, six CD recordings, and featured performances at both national and international events and conferences. As regular participants in International Expos and eisteddfods across the country, they have consistently garnered awards and accolades that reflect our commitment to excellence
• St Alban’s Jazz Band: Lively, polished, and endlessly versatile — the St Alban’s Jazz Band is a powerhouse of musical talent and energy. With a repertoire that spans jazz standards, blues, ballads, Latin grooves, and classic rock, the band is a regular feature at College and community events, providing sophisticated and accessible entertainment with every performance. Under expert guidance, our students master both technical proficiency and collaborative performance skills, nurturing improvisation, stagecraft, and ensemble awareness. Whether backing a soloist or delivering a tight instrumental set, the Jazz Band consistently raises the roof — and the standard.
• String Ensemble: Refined, expressive, and collaborative — the String Ensemble showcases the talents of our violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists in a range of classical, contemporary, and cinematic repertoire. Whether performing elegant chamber music or bold string arrangements of modern works, the ensemble brings a sense of sophistication and poise to College concerts and special events. It provides students with the opportunity to develop ensemble sensitivity, technical skill, and musical interpretation in an intimate, disciplined setting. The ensemble is also a platform for those pursuing music academically or preparing for external examinations and festivals.
• Drum Circle: High-energy and rooted in rhythm, the Drum Circle taps into the primal power of percussion. This ensemble promotes teamwork, listening, and creative improvisation through drumming and world rhythms. Popular at school gatherings, celebrations, and cultural events, the Drum Circle is as much about connection as it is about performance. At St Alban’s College we have a very strong drumming tradition and the Drum Circle showcases our exceptional drummers. 
• Rock Band: Dynamic, bold, and always electrifying — the Rock Band gives students the chance to unleash their creativity through a mix of rock, blues, indie, and contemporary genres. With rotating line-ups and student-led collaboration, this ensemble is a breeding ground for raw talent, innovation, and musical risk-taking. Performing at campus festivals, concerts, and collaborative events, the Rock Band is where guitar riffs meet stage presence, and passion turns into performance. 

Students can showcase their talents as individual performers or as part of the above ensembles through:

• Termly concerts and lunchtime recitals
• Informal ensemble performances
• Inter-house competitions and festivals
• School productions and collaborations with other schools
• Internal and national eisteddfods
• Pop-up concerts
• Friends in Concert (in collaboration with WHPS and St Mary’s DSG)
• Chapel Services
• Carol Services
• Valediction
• Speech Day
• … and many, many more

Many of our boys also audition for external ensembles and orchestras, from the UP Youth Choir to the Simfonia Juventi (and many more) , and we proudly support them.

To stage a full-on Musical production requires talent, dedication, hard work and time management in an already busy school. Yet the educational value and personal development is of immense benefit to our students. In collaboration with our sister school, St Mary’s DSG, we have staged the “Elvis” Musical All Shook Up! in the Brooklyn Theatre in 2011, Copacabana by Barry Manilow in the Atterbury Theatre in 2013, and on our own, we staged the hit Musical, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Andrew Lloyd Webber, in the Atterbury Theatre in 2020.

The St Alban’s College Music Department has produced six CDs in the past 15 years.  These CDs feature works by the College Choir, Barbershop, Jazz Band, Rock Band and a variety of soloists.  They are a wonderful celebration of the immense musical talent at the College and we are justifiably proud of, and thankful to, all those who made these possible.