High honours for Hudson Park’s musical maestros

Four Hudson Park High School musicians were recently selected to join the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestral Experience and the Eastern Cape Junior Wind Orchestra.

The pupils travelled to Gqeberha during the school holiday to take part in two different music courses.

Hitting the right notes, the Kulungile Mpepo group was selected to attend the provincial Philharmonic Youth Orchestral Experience.

Layla Lake, Maxine Burgess, and Kwanga Mpepo were selected as principal musicians for the provincial Junior Wind Orchestra.

The annual courses gather many promising young musicians to showcase their talents.

Grade 10 pupil Kwanga said: “I have been playing the trumpet for two-and-a-half years.

“Seeing the Hudson Park High School band play, as well as the sound of the trumpet, drew me to it.”

Her selection greatly touched her since her passion for music was inspired by the school.

“It means a lot to me to get selected as we have to audition for a place and not everyone makes it in,” she said.

“It was particularly special as I was selected as the principal trumpeter.

“I am very proud to have been selected and will definitely apply to audition again.”

Every year, the school produces fine musicians who are recognised provincially for their talents.

In June, eight Hudson Park High School pupils earned places in the Eastern Cape Wind Orchestra All-star Band after delivering outstanding performances

Seeing the Hudson Park High School band play, as well as the sound of the trumpet, drew me to it

in Gqeberha.

The band comprises high school pupils and university students who have successfully auditioned with any standard wind, brass, and percussion instrument.

The school’s head of music and culture, Wesley Wong, said they were proud of the pupils’ achievements.

“Hudson Park has had a large number of musicians being selected for the Eastern Cape Wind Orchestra over the past few years,” he said.

“The school boasts a flourishing music department where learners are exposed to various musical genres, including classical music, jazz and contemporary music.”

He said the staff set high standards for the pupils and rarely did they disappoint.

“Our pupils perform weekly in break-time concerts and at various school events and public concerts.

“This constant exposure to performance is definitely one of the key ingredients in their success.”