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.

Grappelli – Django Camp

Gypsy Jazz legend Tim Kliphuis teaches Improvisation for Strings! Violins, Violas, Cellos, Double Basses, and Guitars all welcome! Join one of the modern masters of jazz violin Tim Kliphuis from Holland for a weekend workshop learning the joys of gypsy jazz improvisation.

You will receive instruction on the following topics:

- improvising over chord changes and standars

- gypsy jazz technique

- ensemble lessons (for the showcase at the end of the camp)

 Other instructors are Bernard Kotze (guitar) and Sarah Blake (double bass) from local gypsy jazz band Manouche.

 Dates: 3 to 5 March 2017 (timings below)

 Venue: Rondebosch Boys High School Music Department (entrance off Canigou Avenue)

 Fee: R2 000 for all workshops for the whole weekend (part-time partcipation welcome for a reduced fee)

 14 years and up, minimum grade 4 level (Classical or jazz, beginners to jazz and/or improvisation welcome)

7 workshop sessions in total over the weekend culminating in a showcase concert for the students open to the public (at The Reeler Theatre at 4pm on 5 March) with Tim Kliphuis and his Cape Town trio.

 Groups will be split up according to skill and age. Tim Kliphuis will work with all skill levels and instruments during the course of the camp.

 Please contact Claire on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you won’t be able to attend the whole camp, or if you can’t afford the fee, so we can come to an arrangement.

 Visit http://www.grappellicampcapetown.com/ to sign up and for more details, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

 

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.