Monument Magneetskool/Magnet School

02/09/2026

Some of our learners once again attended the University of Pretoria’s enrichment course on the UP campus this year. They had the wonderful opportunity to receive one-on-one masterclasses from lecturers affiliated with the Department of Music - a truly special and enriching learning experience for each of them!

Four learners, Jonah James-Birkholtz – violin, Carmen Saayman – viola, Hesmari de Klerk – cello and Irma Ammann-Van der Merwe – flute, also participated in UPSO (UP Symphony Orchestra)’s Open Play Week.
After joining the orchestra for 3 to 4 intensive rehearsals throughout the week, their activities culminated on a high note on Friday, 21 August, with a magnificent symphony orchestra performance in the Aula Auditorium. 🎻

Around 150 young musicians just barely fitted onto the Aula stage! Under the direction of Artistic Director Schalk van der Merwe alongside visiting former UPSO conductor Gerben Grooten, the auditorium was filled with an array of well-known film melodies.
Hearing a massive youth orchestra bring iconic film scores to life always is an incredible experience. It has a special way of captivating any audience, especially when delivered with that scale and enthusiasm. 🎶

A huge thank you to UP Arts for another fun-filled learning experience. Initiatives like these provide invaluable inspiration and hands-on experience for young musicians developing their craft.

02/06/2026

The annual activities of the Simfonia Juventi symphony orchestra concluded on May 23 with their traditional gala concert at the ZK Matthews Hall, UNISA.

We are proud of five of our magnet school learners who were members of this prestigious youth orchestra this year:
• Jonah James-Birkholtz - violin
• Tadiwanashe Mwandiambira - violin
• Carmen Saayman - viola
• Hesmari de Klerk - cello
• Irma Ammann-Van der Merwe - flute

They performed a selection of well-known classical melodies as well as some popular themes from the movies, under the baton of maestro Eddie Clayton.

Enjoy with us some highlights from this concert! 🎶

For the full concert experience, watch it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VZaI0J93XkQ?si=zBxUGWfxXRBdM8d4

18/05/2026

The University of Pretoria Music and Enrichment Festival is back for its eight year of celebrating vibrant classical and jazz music!

🎼 Join us for these two weeks in August to experience captivating performances by established and emerging musicians, top-tier lectures, masterclasses, and workshops led by visiting guest artists and the esteemed UP music faculty.

🎶 More information will be shared closer to the festival dates, stay tuned so you don’t miss a note!

30/01/2026

12/11/2025

Music tuition for all ages! 🎶

Please share far and wide!

Musiekonderrig aan leerders van alle ouderdomme!
Music Tuition to learners of all ages!

Kontak gerus die Monnas Magneetskool vir musiek:
Contact the Monnas Magnet school for music:

[email protected]
011-6652884

04/09/2025

Ses magneetskoolleerders het vanjaar weer die Universiteit van Pretoria se verrykingskursus op die UP kampus bygewoon. Ons leerders kon een-tot-een meesterklasse ontvang en ook inskakel by die UP simfonie-orkes. Die week se aktiwiteite is op Vrydag 22 Augustus op ‘n hoë noot afgesluit met ‘n simfonie-orkes uitvoering in die Aula ouditorium. 🎶

Die Aula-verhoog was tot barstens toe vol instrumentaliste; meer as honderd jong musici het met geesdrif en toewyding saamgewerk om o.l.v. Schalk van der Merwe ‘n pragvertoning op die planke te bring!

UPSO Play Week once again has been another highlight for these learners. Jonah James-Birkholtz – violin, Tadiwanashe Mwandiambira – violin, Carmen Saayman – viola, Uma Booyzen-Pillay – cello, Hesmari de Klerk – cello and Irma Ammann-Van der Merwe – flute, joined this orchestra for 3 rehearsals and one magnificent performance. 🎻🪈

They focused on film music this year, playing music from The Pirates of the Caribbean (Hans Zimmer), The Dark Knight – Batman (Hans Zimmer), Star Wars (John Williams) & The Lord of the Rings (Howard Shore).
Enjoy with us a selection of the highlights of this concert!

Thank you UP ARTS for another inspiring experience for these learners!

17/08/2025

Three of our learners participated in the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival during the July school holiday: Irma Ammann-Van der Merwe (flute), Jonah James-Birkholtz (violin) and Christiaan Naudé (cello). 🎻🪈

The experience of being part of an extraordinary symphony orchestra as well as a variety of smaller ensembles, the privilege to attend public master classes or practical lessons from renowned instrumentalists from South Africa as well as abroad… this all has been an unparalleled educational journey for these youngsters! An incredible experience for these three young musicians! 🎶

23/10/2024

We are so proud of one of our young pianists, Tayla Pieterse! 🎶

Tayla entered as one of 76 contestants and progressed to the final round of this competition, which took place in the Atterbury Theatre in August. As one of ten finalists (Gr 1 - 12) she performed with GUSTO!

Well done, Tayla! 🎹

06/09/2024

The recent enrichment course hosted by the School of the Arts, University of Pretoria, again offered several wonderful educational opportunities for young promising music students.

Some of our learners enrolled for masterclasses on their individual instruments, offered by the lecturers of the music department. This is always a valuable and inspiring experience for each learner and teacher.

UPSO (University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra) again offered an Open Play Week to all young symphonic instrumentalists. Anyone could join and play for a full symphony orchestra, without any audition, but with all the fun!
Five Magnet School learners participated in this project, and it has indeed been a highlight for these young instrumentalists: Jonah James-Birkholtz (violin), Tadiwanashe Mwandiambira (violin), Carmen Saayman (viola), Uma Booyzen-Pillay (cello) and Irma Ammann van der Merwe (flute) were enthusiastic symphonic participants for a whole week.

UPSO was bursting at the seams for the week of 17 to 23 August. This symphony orchestra of about 200 members, consisted of almost 30 cello’s, more than 70 violins, a huge number of flutes and other woodwinds and a promising number of brass players. They had several lengthy rehearsals throughout the week and concluded their activities with a festive concert in the Aula on the UP campus, on Friday 23 August.

Under the baton of conductor Schalk van der Merwe, this huge orchestra attempted a challenging program with interesting repertoire this year. They played some melodies from ‘The Moldau’, by Smetana, the 8th Symphony of Schubert (movement I), Sibelius’s Symphony No 2 (movement IV) and some film music from the Batman movie.

Enjoy with us some highlights from this concert! 🎶

11/06/2024

Proud of you, Christiaan! 🎻