Drakensberg Boys Choir School

Together we strive to uphold the values and standards, demonstrated through the years by our dedicated and loyal young men, whose lives were nurtured through the ideals and spirit of our unique institution.

South Africa’s Ambassadors of Song

Since 1967, the Champagne Valley of the central Drakensberg, an acclaimed World Heritage site, has been filled with the songs of the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School. The trained singing of talented young men is surely one of the purest expressions of music, and DBCS is blessed to share it with the world.

 We draw our inspiration from the idyllic environment of our 100 acre estate. The natural surroundings stimulate the boys’ spirit of adventure and exploration, while we nurture the development of their minds and voices as they ultimately realize their full academic and musical potential.

 It is no mean feat to be regarded as a world-renowned institution, and DBCS is exactly that.  By offering our students a unique educational opportunity in the musical arts, with a sound academic curriculum, in an unrivalled natural environment, we have established a tradition whose fame extends around the globe.

 A Truly Singular Choir School

 Our specialized musical environment not only develops the vocal skills of our students, it also provides an in-depth study of the core components of Music on theoretical and practical levels. Intensive aural training commences on day one of enrolment, and instrumental tuition is further emphasized to develop greater practical and aural skills.  It is through this system that DBCS has contributed to the South African and international music scene, by nurturing the talents of prominent conductors and singers.

 Our academic programme rivals the best of our independent South African schools and is taught alongside music subjects and choir rehearsals.  Supervised study for both the academic and music curriculum takes place on a daily basis. An environment conducive to developing our students’ full academic and musical potential is the paramount objective. This co-existence of education and music is what gives DBCS its unique and dynamic character.

 Our environs offer an exciting natural theatre where boys participate in outdoor activities such as abseiling, hiking and tubing on the river.  Students are encouraged to take an active interest in their surroundings through educational outdoor trips.  We also offer tennis, cricket, rugby, soccer, swimming and cross-country with emphasis on group and inter-house participation.

 We offer an exceptional opportunity for multi-talented boys to benefit from a well-balanced educational and extra-curricular programme, to develop outstanding leadership skills, and to fully realize their musical potential.

 Singing Ambassadors to Africa and the World

 The Choir is representative of the multi-faceted culture that makes up South Africa. We have pioneered and created a new trend in the international choral scene that transcends the conventional. Our unique, innovative and diverse style (including Classical, Rock, Pop, Jazz, African, Folk, modern Art Music et al) captivates audiences, and the boys perform with excellence and aplomb. The Choir is internationally acclaimed for its unique African repertoire which includes accompaniment by authentic African instruments and body percussion.

 As members of the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School, our students have the exciting possibility of touring nationally and internationally.  We travel extensively across South Africa each year, and internationally often more than once a year.  By being able to travel the globe, our students have the opportunity of experiencing different cultures and developing personal communication skills, all the while spreading their message through song. 

 We aim to accommodate the boys with families, especially on international tours. It is during these periods of interaction with other cultures that the boys have the opportunity to be real ambassadors for South Africa.

 We have toured:

The Choir has been to the United States four times, (with the freedom of Jacksonville, Spartanburg and a special award from Disney’s Magic Kingdom being conferred on them) and to Canada. During their second visit, four soloists took the top honours at an International Singing Competition in Des Moines.

In Europe, they have sung in Hungary, Switzerland, Italy, France, Portugal, Greece, Poland and, by Papal request, at the Vatican City before 25 000 people. During the Choir School’s 25th anniversary year, the Choir was acclaimed one of the best in the world in the triennial World Boys’ Choir Festival in Poznan, Poland.

The boys have toured much of Africa, singing in Egypt, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland. The boys have also undertaken tours to England, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Mauritius, Australia, Japan, Turkey, Finland and Scandinavia.

The DBCS Griffin

For more information regarding the DBCS Griffin, please visit our 'The Griffin' page, located under the About DBCS tab.

 School particulars

 Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School (DBCS)

The DBCS is registered with ISASA as an Independent School, based in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.

 School Grades:

The DBCS is a Middle School for Grade 4 – 9 boys, age 9 – 15 years old.

  Medium of instruction

The DBCS is a dual medium school with English and Afrikaans as official languages.

 Religion

The Staff and Board of Governors recognize the Christian foundation of the DBCS and expect non-Christian learners to respect the religious convictions of Christian learners and vice versa.

 Academics

The academic affairs of the school are managed by the Academic Head through the Academic Committee comprising academic educators. This committee is effectively the Academic Board. The Rector is also a member of this committee. The body creates policy and ensures that policy is adhered to. The committee ensures that the academic programme for the year is properly planned and executed, including the assessment procedures, timing of assessment, the administration of mid and end of year assessment and the maintenance of academic standards. The DBCS falls under the KZNED, offering the National Curriculum Grade 4 – 9 (GET Band) with the IEB as the examination provider.

 Sports

The Sports Department endeavours to give learners a balanced life programme through healthy exercise and interaction with other learners and teams, thus promoting teamwork and team spirit.

 Boarding

Boarding is preferred though day scholars are allowed on condition that the full daily programme is undertaken– no exceptions are tolerated. Boys in Grade 7 – 9 are accommodated comfortably in Griffin House whilst Grade 4 – 6 boys reside in two dormitories in the main building. A Housemaster, supported by dedicated resident boarding staff, takes care of the well-being of the boarders. The Boarding Establishment includes a fully equipped kitchen and dining room which, under the supervision of a dietitian, provides a well-balanced meal three times a day and tea/juice plus snack/fruit twice a day. The facility includes a sanatorium, laundry and two recreation rooms, one for Grades 4 – 6 and the other for Grades 7 - 9. We strive towards a stimulating and safe learning environment where learners develop strong bonds of friendship with their peers and teachers. Strong emphasis is placed on discipline within a Christian ethos and every student is expected to live according to our strong value system.

 Maximum number of learners

120

 Total fees per Annum (Tuition and Boarding)

R 97 600.00

 Contact details