The new Arts wing of SP was opened on 18 March 2008. The event took the form of an evening of Arts, with items of  music, dance and drama. The school’s jazz band and orchestra, as well as the choir and vocal ensemble (joined by Ms Avril Smith), and dance and drama students performed for the audience of parents, friends and invited guests. Another special guest was Mr Eugene Daniels, the Director of the EMDC South. A special treat for many of the older members of the audience was the contribution of members of the Eoan Group, Valerie Johnson, May Abrahamse, Leon Dreyer, Ronald Baatjies and Paul Stevens.

         Mr Glen van Harte                                      Mr Eugene Daniels                                 Mr Brian Isaacs

On arrival audience members were treated to items played on the piano and violin by some of our music students. The official programme started with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by the opening address delivered by Mr Glen van Harte, Director of Curriculum Services of the EMDC South. Then the real entertainment began with the choir performing ‘Old King Cole’ and  ‘My Funny Valentine’. During the course of the evening they performed four more songs.

The Dance group took over with a Spanish dance, which was followed later by the Gumboot Dance and a contemporary dance piece. There were solo instrumental items, as well as items by the jazz band; the Grade 10 Drama students performed a choral item of Greek Drama, while the Grade 12s  performed a movement item. The Eoan Group singers raised the bar in terms of professionalism with their items, but our students in no way disgraced themselves at all. As Mr Baker put it, ‘Gone are the days of the Fashion Shows!’

The tremendously enjoyable evening was rounded off with an address by Mr Isaacs, and two more songs by the choir. The last one perhaps encapsulated the ambitions of many an aspiring artist in the broader sense of the word, in the words of ‘When You Wish upon a Star’. A highly appreciative audience gave all the performers a truly deserved hearty round of applause. Well done to the highly talented young artists, and to their teachers.

Finally, special guests and teachers were invited to view the new wing (the old hall remodelled into a dance studio, with a drama room and a music room added above), and to enjoy some refreshments.

           Mr Reggie Dreyer (centre)           L-R Ms Smith, Mr Jusa, Mr Hendricks                Ms Gordon (right)   

  Ms Smith, Mr Sampson, Mrs Bezuidenhout                                         Ms Gordon, Ms Smith, Dr Kronenberg

Some works of art

                                     More artwork                                                     The magnificent dance studio

The SP community looks forward to the next concert.