The Drakensberg Boys Choir School (DBCS, also colloquially known as Drakies) is an internationally acclaimed school where boys are trained in the art of choral singing and performance. This unique, specialised facet of the school’s product-offering runs parallel with the academic curriculum. Through the rigour of maintaining multiple responsibilities as choristers and scholars, boys leave DBCS as confident, well-adjusted young men suitably equipped to face the challenges of their late high school years, and beyond.

The DBCS mission is “To prepare boys for life and leadership through excellence in music, academics, sport and social enrichment in a Christian environment”. In striving to fulfil our mission, it is my firm conviction that no boy will reach his potential unless he feels safe, valued, and encouraged. The physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every boy is therefore paramount. As boys embrace the trials and thrills of the Drakies journey, my team of staff is committed to upholding that as a priority.

Boys who choose to embark on this challenging, yet richly rewarding journey join a small, elite band of men who exist globally, each member of whom proudly calls himself, “A Drakie”.

History

The Tungay Family Story

Russell Tungay had started on an autobiography which he called “Taming the Dragon” where he describes how he, together with his parents and brothers, came to the Cathkin Valley in the early 1950s. The Tungay family used to holiday in the Cathkin Valley every year and one year Gwen “Ma” Tungay bought part of “old man Erfmann’s” farm when he subdivided it in 1955.

In 1960 the oldest brother, Peter Tungay, was killed in an air crash. This devastated the family as Peter had always expressed his desire to take over the farm and start a dairy. In 1963 the family started a caravan park on the farm to generate much needed money to keep the farm running.

In the meantime, John Tungay, who was a choirmaster at the Trinity Congregational Church, approached his parents to take over the farm and turn it into a choir school. In 1966 John began adding onto the farmhouse a dormitory, dining room, kitchen and a classroom.

Twenty boys enrolled in the first year of the school’s existence (1967). By the second year there were 60 boys enrolled! “The boys were like the Pied Piper, they would attract boys from everywhere they went.”

It became clear to John right in the early days that in order to travel overseas, the choir had to be the best in the country. And in order to achieve this they needed two hours practice every day. His initial idea of trekking the boys to Winterton for their academic tuition had to be re-thought and that was when he asked his mother, “Ma” Tungay, to step in and help teach academics to the boys.

The Tungay family continued to play a pivotal role in the history of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School with Russell taking over the management of the school in 1968. The Tungay family sold the school and the 100 acre estate and buildings to a Board of Directors in 1981.

The entire Tungay family – Ron, Gwen, John, and subsequently Russell – were intimately involved in laying the foundations in one way or another of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. How little they could have realised how much of a national asset their dreams and hard work, in often the most difficult and challenging circumstances, would become.

57 Years of Excellence

Over the past 57 years the Drakensberg Boys Choir School has faced enormous challenges in order to survive, one of which being the high cost of managing a specialised school with specialised staff in a somewhat isolated area in South Africa. Despite these challenges, DBCS has grown from strength to strength. In partnership with corporate supporters, a strategic plan to upgrade facilities is currently in place and through a phased approach will see the conversion of current infrastructure into modern facilities on par with the best independent schools in the country.

There have been many people, both individuals and families, who have supported the school and enabled it to grow into a world-class institution. Today the Drakensberg Boys Choir School is acknowledged and respected both nationally and internationally for its exceptional work, music, musicians and learners.

Wednesday and Saturday Concerts

The Drakensberg Boys Choir is synonymous with high-energy performances, which have been captivating audiences for over 50 years. The choir embraces the versatility, stamina, and raw talent of boys from across the country and abroad to create a choral spectacular, jam-packed with a variety of musical styles ranging from classical and contemporary choral gems, to billboard pop hits, to authentic indigenous South African music. Join us for an afternoon of guaranteed entertainment at one of our 34 annual Wednesday concerts and let our young stars creep deep into your heart with their sincerity and youthful spirit.

When: Every Wednesday at 15:30 and a few selected Saturdays at 10:30 during the school term.

Where: Ken Mackenzie Auditorium at the Drakensberg Boys Choir School.

Dress Code: You are on holiday so come as you feel comfortable.

Tickets: Adults R220, Pensioners R200, Children R180. Booking is done through: www.webtickets.co.za or phone the school at 036 468 1709

Enrolment

Voice audition

Be a part of the Drakensberg Boys Choir School! If your son is between the ages of 9 and 13 years old, please complete the Enrolment Enquiry Form and one of our dedicated staff members will contact you to set up a voice audition.

Academic Assessments

Once you have completed the above steps the Drakensberg Boys Choir School would like to invite you and your son to a Skype session to meet the Headmaster and Director of Music.

Online Interview

Once you have completed the above steps the Drakensberg Boys Choir School would like to invite you and your son to an online interview to meet the Headmaster and Director of Music.

Click here to enrol now.