“Music students are easily recognised, not by the musical instruments they carry, but by their dedication, respect, and unwavering commitment. They are the embodiment of hard work, continuously striving to better themselves, and their art.”
These are the words of Dr Yvonne-Marié Brand, director of the School of Music during her welcome message at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Music annual Bursary Winners’ concert on 24 October 2023.
Bursaries were awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate full-time music students, as well as conservatory students who are enrolled for extra-curricular music lessons.
“The students at the School of Music are the heart and soul of our institution, and our remarkable students are a beacon of inspiration to us all,” highlighted Dr Brand.
She added that over the past few years, the School of Music has evolved into one of the country's most dynamic university music departments. It has expanded its offerings to encompass a diverse range of musical disciplines. There has also been the establishment of new student ensembles such as the Contemporary Commercial Music voice ensemble, the Brass ensemble, the African Music ensemble, and the School of Music’s very own Big Band, which graces everyone with its performances across the three campuses.
“The success of the bursary winners' concert would not have been possible without the unwavering support of a select group of individuals. To our benefactors and representatives of family trusts, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable contributions,” she said. “Your support and commitment continue to transform the lives of these promising students.”
Dr Brand also acknowledged the remarkable dedication of the School of Music’s staff. “These individuals, characterised by their boundless enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile for our students and colleagues, are the backbone of our success. To my extraordinary colleagues, I offer my deepest thanks.”
NWU School of Music Performance Bursary Winners:
- Sisikelelwe Mngenela: Vice-chancellor's Music bursary
- Samuel Nku: Annette L. Combrink Music bursary
- Thando Mabuza: MC Roode/ NWU Arts Music bursary
- Frederik Calitz: University Music bursary
- Sergio Tavares: Financial support services: organ / piano bursary
- Nomgqibelo Sukwana: Executive Dean's bursary: Diploma in Music
- Shaun Mabogoane: Executive Dean's bursary: BA Music and Society
- Simangaliso Nombewu: Financial support services undergraduate bursary
- Lara Badenhorst: Conservatory Music student bursary
- Nonhlanhla Molotywa: Johan Raubenheimer Memorial bursary
- NWU Brass Quintet: School of Music staff bursary
- Woodies Duo: Eugenie Premyslav Music bursary
- Vinchesco Theys: Johannes van der Merwe Music bursary
- Julian Reinecke-Watson: Millie van der Merwe Undergraduate Music bursary
- Rethabile Khaile: Financial support services undergraduate bursary
The Academic Bursary Winners in the programmes Diploma in Music, BA Music in Society, BMus:
Sergio Tavares
Cara Snyman
Janca Smit
Dilon Bhana
Elandri Vorster
Wilhelm Meyer
Lamees Matwadia
Margriet Aucamp
Frederik Calitz
Julian Jade Reinecke Watson
Megan May
Nomgqibelo Sukwana
Nonhlanhla Molotywa
Thapelo Sebaeng
Christinah Zibaya
Hava-Ja-Toivo Carels
Blessed Ndlovu
Sizwe Nkosi
Precious Nkabinde
Ashly Sibanyoni
Themba Vhuma
Vinchesco Theys
Khayakazi Madlala
Sonja Viviers
Rethabile Khaile
Ayanda Mkhize
Eliana du Toit
The programme leaders, Dr Janelize Morelli, Jaco van der Merwe, and Prof Mignon van Vreden presented the bursaries to these top achievers. The School of Music is extremely grateful to the National Arts Council who contributed R187 200 towards these bursaries.
The Bertha Spies Musikhane Community Engagement Programme bursaries were awarded to:
- Wilhelm Meyer
- Signobile Kolisi
- Sesona Kelekete
Dr Janelize Morelli, manager of the Musikhane community engagement programme, presented these bursaries, which are funded through a private donation. These bursaries are awarded to students who have displayed utmost commitment and accountability during their participation in the Musikhane community music engagement programme during 2023.
Dr Morelli initiated the Bertha Spies Community Engagement Bursaries. Prof Betha Spies was the founder of the Musikhane Community Music Engagement Programme in 1994. Under her leadership, the programme developed a strong foundation upon which we continue to build to this day. Prof Spies remains a resonant voice in the fields of community music and music education.
