Latest news with #PretoriaBoysHighSchoolPipeBand
The Citizen
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
National honours for Pretoria's young pipe band maestros
The Pretoria Boys High School Pipe Band has achieved a major success by winning top honours at the South African Pipe Band Championships 2025 held at St Benedict's College. The band's calendar remains active as it is scheduled for a public appearance at the Pretoria High School for Girls' Spring Fair on September 6. They competed in the Novice Juvenile Grade and took first place in three major performance categories: March Selection, MSR (march, strathspey, and reel), and Drum Corps. James Orr, master in charge of the pipe band, said these victories clinched the prestigious Novice Juvenile South African Champion title. According to Orr, their journey began at the beginning of the year, and they spent several months preparing for the competition with the support of pipers, drummers, and tutors. 'Preparation for the SA Championships began in January, with intensive rehearsals building up in the months leading to the competition. 'All other contests in the season served as opportunities to refine our performances and hone our craft,' he said. The hard work didn't stop with just one title, as the band also secured the coveted Champion of Champions award, determined by cumulative results throughout the national competition season. 'By consistently winning at national contests, Pretoria Boys High School secured this title for the 2025 season,' said Orr. He said their performances at the championships showcased not only their discipline and technical mastery but also their deep musicality. Orr explained that the march selection, which was part of their performance, featured the traditional 2/4 marches 'Marie's Wedding', 'The Brown Haired Maiden', and 'The Sweet Maid of Glendaruel'. He added that the MSR set, a combination of march, strathspey [dance], and reel, demonstrated the band's ability to balance structure and expression, delivering both complexity and energy in their playing. Orr emphasised the important role of student leadership in the band's success. 'They work closely with our dedicated instructors and school staff to maintain high musical standards, strong discipline, and team cohesion. Their leadership has been instrumental in our success this year,' he said. Back on campus, the band's achievements have been met with a wave of celebration and pride. 'Fellow learners, staff, and Old Boys have shared messages of congratulations, and the victory has been warmly celebrated within the school community,' said Orr. Orr said Pretoria Boys High has long supported music and culture alongside its strong academic and sporting traditions. He explained that the school offers dedicated rehearsal spaces, instruments, uniforms, and performance opportunities for band members. 'Our headmaster, Mr Greg Hassenkamp, has been exceptionally supportive of the band and even visited us during our final rehearsal to wish us well before the championships.' He said that the school ensures that any learner can be part of the band, regardless of prior musical experience. Orr added that beginners follow a structured training programme, and pipes are available for loan to those wishing to learn. 'Many of our current members began with no background in piping or drumming,' said Orr. The recent accolades mark a significant high point for the band, which has consistently ranked among the best in its grade both nationally and regionally in recent years. 'The 2025 season marks a high point, with the band achieving both the SA Champion and Champion of Champions titles for the first time in a decade,' Orr said. ALSO READ: Tshwane cracks down on car washes using fire hydrants illegally Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Not sure what to do this weekend? Pretoria's got your back with our ultimate winter guide
Not sure what to do this weekend? Pretoria's got your back with our ultimate winter guide Capital Craft Beer Festival 2025 @Pretoria Botanical Gardens – Saturday, June 14 Prepare for an unforgettable day filled with buzzing energy, an unmatched selection of the best local and international brews, thrilling music entertainment spanning all genres, and a diverse array of mouth-watering food options. For 12 years, the Capital Craft Beer Festival has been a cornerstone of Pretoria's social calendar, showcasing the local beer industry while bringing people together for good food, great music, and even better memories. Don't miss this year's extraordinary celebration! The festival will be on from 10:00–18:30. MML Colour Fun Run @Mamelodi East Rethabile Sports Ground – Monday, June 16 Celebrate Youth Day with a splash of colour and community spirit at the MML Colour Run in Mamelodi East. Whether you're up for a 5km or 8km run or just in it for the fun and entertainment, this event is open to all ages. Come dressed in a white T-shirt and enjoy a morning of fitness, colour, and music. The colour run starts at 06:30. Pretoria Highland Gathering @Pretoria Boys High School – Saturday, June 14 Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Scottish heritage at the Pretoria Highland Gathering, hosted on the beautiful grounds of Pretoria Boys High School. Experience the thrill of bagpipe bands from across the country competing throughout the day in full regalia. Explore a vibrant craft market, indulge in a wide variety of delicious food stalls, and admire a unique display of classic and performance cars. This family-friendly event is also a vital fundraiser for the Pretoria Boys High School Pipe Band – your support helps keep this proud tradition alive. The day will conclude with the breathtaking Massed Pipes and Drums, a stirring spectacle that is not to be missed! Tickets available at the gate – bring your picnic blanket, your friends, and your festive spirit. The gathering will be from 09:00–17:00 Linton's Corner Night Market @ Linton's Corner shopping mall – Friday, June 13 Get ready for a night full of flavour, vibes and fun for the whole family! Bring your crew and enjoy: – Delicious gourmet street food – Refreshing drinks and sweet treats – Locally made crafts, gifts and goodies – Live music to set the vibe – A lively, festive market atmosphere. The event is pet-friendly – so leash up your fluffballs and bring them along! Important info: – No outside food, drinks, or cooler boxes – No weapons, drugs, gazebos or tents – Strictly no alcohol for under 18s – Right of admission reserved – Security will be on-site, but entry is at your own risk – Don't miss out on the fun, save the date. We'll see you there! The market starts at 16:00. The All-New Suzuki Dzire Launch @ BB Suzuki Gezina – Saturday, June 14 Rev your engines! BB Suzuki Gezina is unveiling the sleek new Dzire – and you're invited to the official launch party. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, and a first look at this stylish new ride. Be among the first to meet the Dzire up close – it's more than a car, it's a statement. The launch starts from 08:00 to 13:00. The Gauntlet Obstacle Challenge @Harlequins Club Pretoria – June 13–16 South Africa's ultimate inflatable obstacle experience returns to Pretoria at 15:00 on June 13 and 14:00 on June 16. The experience features 36 brutal-but-fun challenges across 270m of pure adrenaline. The Gauntlet tests your speed, strategy, and willpower with epic obstacles like Balls of Doom, The Floor is Lava, and The Drop. Perfect for families, friends, and anyone ready to conquer SA's largest outdoor inflatable obstacle course. The ultimate challenge awaits. Spanning an impressive 2 350 square metres, The Gauntlet sets a new standard with 36 unique challenges designed to test your agility, determination, and spirit. From towering slides and technical climbs to tunnels, spikes, giant balls, and hurdles – every section features consistent 6m-wide lanes engineered for maximum enjoyment. It's perfect for: – Families looking for quality bonding time – Friends seeking an unforgettable weekend adventure – Fitness enthusiasts testing their skills – Companies planning team-building activities – Anyone ready for an epic challenge. Special event features: – Exclusive Gauntlet Challenge Races with prizes – Special menu at Quin & Bull Restaurant featuring The Bull & Gauntlet Special Pizza – Coffee, Slushie, Bubble Teas, Chip 'n Dip, Mini Doughuts on site. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. 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