Facilities
JOHN PEAKE MUSIC SCHOOL
The John Peake Music School underwent extensive renovations during 2002. It now houses two well-equipped teaching classrooms, five offices for the full-time staff, nine instrumental teaching rooms, a dedicated percussion studio, a staff room, two dedicated practice rooms, the Hyslop Concert Hall, a recording studio, a SoundHouse for music technology and two store rooms.
VENUES
The Sound House is a multi-purpose venue which enables boys to explore state-of-the-art technology within a musical context in their Sound Production courses. It is also used for theory classes, as well as band rehearsals.
The Recording Studio provides boys with an opportunity to explore the creative and technical aspects of music production in a professional and supportive environment. Equipped for recording, editing, mixing and producing a variety of musical projects, the studio allows boys to develop practical skills in areas such as microphone technique, audio engineering, digital music production and sound design. It also serves as a creative space where learners can record individual performances, ensembles and original compositions, while gaining valuable insight into the processes involved in producing and sharing music in the modern world.
Built in 1971, Hyslop Hall is the main venue for concerts, including the Lunch-Hour Concert programme. A Yamaha Grand Piano is permanently housed here.
Added in 2002, the Percussion Studio houses all percussion instruments including timpani, two drum kits, mallet percussion instruments, and more.
The War Memorial Organ, built by the renowned Liverpool organ builders Rushworth and Dreaper, was completed and dedicated in the War Memorial Chapel in September 1933, following several years of fundraising by ODs, parents and friends of the College. Designed in consultation with leading organists and builders in both England and South Africa, the organ was inaugurated with Bach’s immortal Toccata and Fugue in D minor, establishing a musical tradition that continues to this day.
The chapel houses a percussion studio with timpani, drum kits, mallets, and more from the 2002 renovations.
Click here to download an information booklet on the organs.
Housed in the Gray Chapel, this organ was purchased from Dr Barry Smith and built by Jimmy Riadore in 1972. It's ideal for Baroque and Classical chamber music.
Built and donated by the late Mr McLachlan in memory of his son. It is mainly used for Baroque concerts and chamber music.
A wide range of orchestral instruments is available for student hire. For info, contact Ms Mandisa Ndebele at mndebele@bishops.org.za or call 021 659 1036.
The school provides three grand pianos, eleven upright pianos, two Clavinovas, and several electric keyboards for teaching and performance.