Page 11 - Education Supplement_Issue 1_2023

Brescia House School launches a Music Institute

“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education.” ~ Plato

usic is an integral part of human
culture. It has soothed and
Mentertained for thousands of
years, and learning music from a young
age has many benefits. It develops creative
abilities, enhances problem-solving skills,
improves academic performance, provides
stress relief, and fosters communication
and collaboration.
Brescia House School has always
embraced the power of music and has a
longstanding tradition of incorporating
music into the holistic development
of its students. The school has now
taken this approach a step further by Mackenzie Benade and Zarcia Zacheus mixing and producing music in the Brescia House School Beat Lab.
transforming its music department into a
Music Institute. This will foster far greater benchmark syllabus in music production.) orienteering. Off-campus, students can
diversification into the music realm Students also get into the technical participate in the school equestrian team,
beyond the traditional curriculum. basics and learn to record music in the and a CrossFit programme is offered to the
Children possess the innate ability to school’s recording booth. The music Brescia House School students at CrossFit
decode sounds and words as soon as they production teacher, Zarcia Zacheus, is a Proform next door to the school. The
come into the world, and music education professional vocal recording artist who Brescia House School CrossFit programme
boosts these capacities. This is why musical works in the industry and has extensive includes bodyweight exercises, interval
training is essential for cultivating a person’s experience in music production, mixing, training, functional fitness, core strength,
verbal competence and social skills. and recording. and agility. Cultural activities include
At Brescia House, students from Grades “Zarcia has an excellent rapport with public speaking, TED Talks, debating,
R to 6 are exposed to music notation, our pupils and educates them about what photography, cooking club, drama, chess,
music appreciation, and aural training is possible for them in the industry,” says choir, and music.
during their class music lessons. From Martinette Ronquest, Head of Music at Going beyond the curriculum and
Grades 7 to 12, students learn about the Brescia House School. She adds, “We combining innovative and meaningful
history of different music styles, music cannot wait to launch our first rock band educational practice with dynamic
theory, music technology and production, and get our pupils to participate and host co-curricular offerings ensures that the
and improving performance skills on band and ensemble festivals.” school develops confident young women.
individual instruments. In addition to The Brescia House School Music As a result, Brescia students go out into
this, students can opt for individual music Institute runs on the values of quality the world with a desire to be fit for life,
lessons in piano, violin, cello, classical and versatility. Everything is done to the curious, compassionate, courageous,
guitar, voice, clarinet, saxophone, flute, highest standard with no compromise on and ultimately to be the best version of
and recorder. There are also several the quality of tuition or performance. As themselves.
choirs across the school phases, marimba Brescia is a student-oriented institution,
bands, and a music ensemble. In addition, pupils are encouraged to take ownership For more information, or a tour of the
plans are underway to re-establish the and run with many initiatives they would school, please contact
Brescia House School Orchestra with a like to implement. These initiatives include admissions@brescia.co.za
contemporary music division. Karaoke Fridays, Music Wednesdays,
The launch of the Music Institute Open Mic events, and inter-house music
will expose Brescia students to music competitions.
production and technology. Pupils can The Music Institute will add to the
now learn music production and complete many co-curricular activities already
Rockschool production examinations. offered at the school. Sporting activities
(Rockschool production courses open include swimming, diving, artistic
the door to aspiring music producers swimming, hockey, netball, soccer,
and engineers, providing them with a athletics, tennis, cross country, and

Education | February 2023 | 9