String Department

The Beau Soleil String Department offers individual tuition on violin, viola, cello and double bass, with all pupils taking part in a string ensembles once they are ready to do so. Nationally known and respected teachers make up a strong teaching staff and students can expect individual attention, high standards and a supportive learning environment.
Students are entered for external examinations, such as ABRSM, UNISA and TRINITY and have a wide range of opportunities to perform at concerts and eisteddfodau. Each student is challenged to develop his or her own musicianship to the highest degree while following individual goals.
In addition to the four string ensembles (preliminary, junior, intermediate and senior) there are opportunities to take part in chamber music ensembles, as well as master classes and workshops. A large complement of Beau Soleil string students take part in the annual Franschhoek Chamber Music Workshop, SANYO orchestra course, and play in the CPYO, among others.
Beau Soleil’s reputation for excellence attracts students from around the Peninsula, enhancing the overall educational experience of music students.

Jordan Brooks Wins Competition

Jordan Brooks, a Gr 6 learner who studies violin with Anna-Marie Swanepoel at Beau Soleil Music Centre, has just been announced as the overall winner of the 2015 Hubert van der Spuy National Competition for Primary School learners. The competition takes place over four rounds for instrumentalists from all over the country who compete for this prestigious prize. Jordan won not only the overall prize, but also prizes for the Best Performance of a Baroque composition, the Best Performance of a Romantic Composition, the Best Performance of a South African Composition, as well the Strings Category Prize. 

Congratulations to Jordan and his teacher, Anna-Marie Swanepoel. We are SO proud of you!

Matric Performer's Concert 2014

The winner of the 2014 Beau Soleil Matric Performer’s Competition was violinist Jené-Naomi Thomas (teacher Marina Louw). Mr Michael Maas, an experienced judge at youth music competitions, was the adjudicator at the Matric Performers Evening, and gave valuable comments to all the performers.

 

More Articles ...

  1. Three of the Best

Marina Louw

Principal & Head of the Stings Department

marina@beausoleil.org.za

Student Feature

Stéphanie Lawrenson (teacher Marina Louw) gave a beautiful performance of the second and third movements of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto with Jeffrey Armstrong at the Tinta Barocca’s ‘Bright Young Baroque’ concert. This concert took place on 24 June at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Greenpoint. 

Stéphanie is a matric pupil at RGHS, and the leader of the Beau Soleil Senior String Orchestra. She started violin lessons with Marina Louw at Beau Soleil in Gr 1, and through the years have obtained numerous distinctions for her external violin exams (UNISA and ABRSM), including invitations to perform at the ABRSM High Scorer’s Concerts.