29/09/2026
๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐น๐น, ๐ ๐ฟ ๐๐ฒ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐
After 28 years of dedicated service to Stirling High School, we bid a very fond farewell to Mr Leonard Brandt.
Leonard joined Stirling in January 1999 as a brass teacher, bringing with him a wealth of experience from almost a decade of performing professionally in orchestras around South Africa. Over the years, he has taught hundreds of young musicians, sharing not only his remarkable knowledge of brass playing, but also his patience, humour, encouragement and genuine love of music.
For generations of Stirling pupils, Mr Brandtโs teaching room became far more than simply a place for music lessons. It was a space where students were encouraged, challenged and supported. Whether celebrating the achievement of a single long note or preparing an accomplished young musician for the next stage of their journey, Leonard gave each student the same enthusiasm and care.
His legacy can be seen in the many former pupils who have gone on to become professional musicians and teachers, as well as in those who simply left Stirling with a lifelong love of making music.
Leonardโs contribution to Stirling, however, extends far beyond the Music Department. When he arrived in 1999, the school did not have the computer network and infrastructure we take for granted today. Leonard played an instrumental role in developing these systems and continued to share his knowledge and expertise with the school for many years.
Perhaps most importantly, Leonard has been a constant, kind and quietly dependable presence at Stirling. To his colleagues, he has been a source of wisdom, humour and calm; to his students, a teacher, mentor and friend.
Mr Brandt, thank you for 28 years of music, knowledge, kindness and service. Thank you for the countless young people whose lives you have influenced and for the enormous contribution you have made to Stirling High School.
We wish you every success and happiness as you begin your next chapter. Those fortunate enough to work alongside you next are gaining someone very special.
Thank you, Mr Brandt. Your legacy at Stirling will continue to be heard for many years to come.
