At The Ridge, we hold cultural activities in high regard, helping to provide many different opportunities for all the boys. They learn through an array of different cultural forms and activities, helping to provide a well-balanced offering to all. The Junior Prep provides a fabulous cultural experience to our boys’ foundational educational years. Every boy has the opportunity to shine in whatever sphere he chooses, and this love of Music and Drama continues in the Senior Prep phase.
Music and Drama
Music and Drama
At The Ridge, we hold cultural activities in high regard, helping to provide many different opportunities for all the boys. They learn through an array of different cultural forms and activities, helping to provide a well-balanced offering to all.
Music
Our school’s musical programme starts right at the beginning of our Ridge boys’ journey. Music and Movement in Grade 0 is an integral
part of the School timetable and offers a diverse range of opportunities for the boys. Grandparents’ Concerts and Family Events are
showcased throughout the year, giving the boys a wonderful opportunity to develop their performance skills and showcase their musical talents.
Individual Music Tuition:
Our boys are given the opportunity to learn musical instruments in privately tutored lessons. Our official music programme begins in Grade 2, where boys are allowed to attend lessons during the School day, enabling boys to have a well-rounded day so they do not have to choose between cultural and sporting activities. Instruments on offer include: Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Recorder, Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Voice, Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele.
Junior Orchestra:
We have a Junior Orchestral Ensemble available for boys learning an orchestral instrument. Boys join this amazing ensemble once they are confident with their instrument of choice and join with other boys to learn to play music together as a team. Many of these boys go on to join our Senior Orchestra in the Senior Prep, as this provides a wonderful growing opportunity to set them up for musical success.
Choir Activities:
The Junior Choir for Grades 2s and 3s engages in regional choir festivals across the city, as well as performing at school and community events. One of the highlights on the School’s musical calendar is the Choir Festival held at the Linder Auditorium, where the Junior Choir performs alongside a professional orchestra. The event culminates with all School choirs joining together, fostering a strong sense of community.
Community Engagement:
The Junior Choir boys host an annual outreach for the members of the Salvation Army Eventide Home for the Aged. The residents have a lovely afternoon filled with musical items and delicious food. The school’s Community Carols by Candlelight event marks the festive season, bringing together all choirs and families for a memorable evening of music.
African Music Lessons
From Grades 1 to 3, the boys have an academic lesson with our African Music Specialist teacher, who teaches the boys a relevant and diverse curriculum while playing Djembes, Drumming and Marimbas.
Junior Prep Music and Drama Performances
Drama
Our Drama programme is an important part of developing each facet of each Ridge boy. Teaching confidence, creativity and
coping mechanisms through dramatic pieces and exercises. Our Drama programme begins in Grade 0,
where our boys learn the important ‘soft’ skills needed to build resilience and grit.
End-of-Year Concerts:
The youngest boys have their own performing showcases. Grade 0 boys participate in end-of-year concerts that bring imaginative themes to life, such as nautical adventures, space exploration or science investigation. The boys sing, act and perform poetry and begin to use Drama techniques in this performing space.
Drama Performances:
The Grade 1 to 3 boys perform in their annual nativity play, where the Grade 3 boys get the lead roles in the story and learn to develop their characters and confidence on stage. Our Nativity plays are based on our school’s Christian tradition and always include a relevant and exciting touch, to ensure that all boys and our community remain engaged in the story.
