Se-Anne Rall|Published
Some students arrive at Durban High School (DHS) having never played a musical instrument. A decade later, the school’s Chris Seabrooke Music Centre is celebrating the opportunities it has created for young musicians.
The centre marks its 10th anniversary this year. What began as the school’s first band programme has grown into a music department offering specialist tuition, dedicated facilities and opportunities to perform.
The programme was established under the mentorship and leadership of Dr Natalie Rungan. It continues to introduce boys to music and help them develop their talents.
At the heart of its story is Chris Seabrooke, a DHS Old Boy whose generosity made the centre possible.
His investment has helped provide generations of pupils with access to music facilities, instruments, tuition and performance opportunities.
His commitment to education also extends beyond the school. Seabrooke recently pledged R341 million towards a five-year project with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Opening doors through music education
The Chris Seabrooke Music Centre has grown into a well-equipped facility.
It boasts nine practice rooms, a recording studio, a 90-seat auditorium and a team of 14 specialist music teachers.
But its greatest achievement lies in the opportunities it creates for pupils.
The programme welcomes boys with little or no musical experience and gives them the chance to learn an instrument, develop their skills and discover their potential.
Some have progressed from complete beginners to accomplished performers. Others have taken their musical ambitions further, with students gaining acceptance into the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the United States.
The centre’s 10-year milestone highlights the role access to music education can play in helping young people explore new interests and pursue opportunities they may not otherwise have considered.
An award-winning drumline and a jazz festival
The centre’s achievements extend beyond individual students.
The DHS Drumline has earned recognition as a three-time KwaZulu-Natal Schools Drumline champion.
The school is also home to the annual KZN Schools Jazz Festival, which brings young musicians from across the province together.
Organised by Nabak Arts NPC and hosted at DHS, the festival creates opportunities for pupils to learn, collaborate and perform alongside leading South African and international jazz artists.
It provides a platform for young musicians to share their skills, gain experience and connect with others who share their passion for music.
The festival also strengthens the centre’s role in supporting music education beyond the school itself.
A decade of investment in young talent
As the centre celebrates its 10th anniversary, its story is also one of philanthropy and the lasting impact of investing in young people.
Seabrooke’s support has helped create an environment where pupils can access instruments, learn from specialist teachers and develop their musical abilities.
Rungan, who has led the programme since its inception, has played a central role in building the department and guiding its growth.
The anniversary also offers an opportunity to hear directly from the young musicians whose lives have been shaped by the programme.
Their experiences reflect the centre’s wider purpose: to make music education accessible and give pupils the confidence to explore their potential.
Ten years on, the Chris Seabrooke Music Centre continues to create opportunities through music, from a pupil’s first lesson to performances on a bigger stage.
Its legacy is a reminder of what can happen when young people are given the resources, guidance and encouragement to pursue their talents.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL