Student choir launched at Monash South Africa

July 2008

At the launch of the MSA Choir: founder members Lebogang Matsididi(left) and Tshepo Kgositau (right)with Choir matron, Foundation Programme teacher, Ms June Jarman (centre)

The dream of two first-year Monash South Africa students became a reality with the launch of the Monash South Africa choir last week.

Three months ago, Tshepo Kgositau and Lebogang Matsididi took the initiative to form a choir and held their first practice with 10 other students.
Enthusiasm has since has grown and membership has now reached 50.

Monash Foundation Programme teacher, Ms June Jarman, who was approached to become the choir matron said: “Previously as a school teacher I was in charge of choirs and choir competitions. I was thrilled when I heard of the students’ intention to start a choir and I was inspired by their enthusiasm and dedication.”

The office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tyrone Pretorius, has donated a piano and uniforms to the choir. “I was impressed with the fact that the students took the initiative themselves and with their dedication,” said Professor Pretorius. “The establishment of this choir forms an exciting part of the development of a cultural life on the Monash campus.”

“We are delighted to be able to support our students in initiatives like this as we believe that experiences on campus outside the classroom form an important part of a well rounded education.”

The Monash Choir sings in several languages and plans to develop a repertoire of both traditional chamber choir songs and African songs.

The Monash Choir performed at the MonChrist Gospel festival on campus and was a highlight at the first annual Student Association Performing Arts Night as well as at the launch of the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Programme in June.

“We are very excited about the future of this choir,” says Tshepo, “We aspire to compete in local university Choral Music Competitions as well as the Gauteng Choral Music Competitions.”