Chelsea Preparatory School’s Choir and Band embarked on an unforgettable journey on 20 October 2023 as 71 of our senior primary pupils and 4 dedicated staff members set off on the school’s first-ever choir and band tour. The destination? The picturesque Champagne Valley in the central Drakensberg, where an extraordinary musical and team-building adventure awaited.

The highlight of the tour was an inspiring visit to the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, where our pupils and staff had the privilege of participating in a choral workshop. During this enlightening session, participants learned parts and movements to the iconic South African song, “Shosholoza,” while also gaining insights into various breathing exercises and singing techniques.

The culmination of this tour was the opportunity for Chelsea Prep’s choir and band to perform on an international stage alongside the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Drakensberg Boys’ Choir. The performance was nothing short of exceptional, with our talented students impressing the audience with two remarkable songs during the first half of the show. The evening reached its emotional peak as the Chelsea Prep Choir, the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir, and the audience joined together to deliver a stirring rendition of “Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika,” accompanied by a majestic pipe organ. The event concluded with the two choirs joining forces to perform “Shosholoza,” often dubbed as South Africa’s second national anthem.

“This tour has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of our students, who will carry these experiences and memories with them for years to come.  We are immensely proud of the dedication and efforts of our choir and band, and we look forward to more extraordinary musical journeys in the future.” Ryan Smith, Performing Arts Educator.