Cultural Tours

Biennial Band Tour

Every two years late in Term 1, the Concert, Jazz and Gig bands embark on a week-long tour, usually to the Knysna / Plettenberg Bay area. Over the years we have built up a loyal group of supporters and our public performances are very well attended. We also perform at local schools and do a workshop with the local Field Band, which is part of a very successful community upliftment programme in Plettenberg Bay. In between performances, the boys get treated to a variety of recreational activities – from whale watching to visiting the local snake park, Waterworld and the like.

International Cultural Tour

The international cultural tour takes place every five years and is open to all boys. We explore cultural attractions in two European cities usually over three weeks in the December holidays. This includes visiting galleries, museums, places of architectural interest and the theatre.

National Arts Festival

Every year, we visit the National Arts Festival in Makhanda (Grahamstown). There are two aspects to this tour:

  • The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival takes place in parallel with the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Each year our Music Department takes a group of 16 to 25 boys and, for the past 10 years, our Jazz Band has also been invited to perform. Boys who are keen to take part have to apply, through the school, to the Jazz Festival organisers and need to meet certain musical requirements.
  • The youth element of Jazz Festival is a jazz development course. Participants attend a daily programme of ensemble rehearsals, lectures, workshops and performances, with top SA and international jazz musicians performing and teaching at the festival. A National Schools Big Band is selected via audition and we have a proud history of having five to ten of our musicians being selected for that 17-piece band.
  • Our Cultural Society attends the main festival where they experience a variety of art forms: live theatre, dance, various music performances, visual art exhibitions, literary readings, stand-up comedy and other fringe events. We also encourage the boys to select other events that interest them. This tour is open to any RBHS boy, regardless of whether he is involved in Art, Drama or Music.