Theodor set to rock to its own beat

MUCH like the Jack Black film, School of Rock, pupils at Port Elizabeth's Theodor Herzl will now also be able to have jam sessions and rehearse their favourite rock 'n' roll tunes.

This is thanks to a new addition to the Walmer campus with the opening of the Linden Music School.

Theodor Herzl dramatic arts head Robin Williams said pupils would not only have the opportunity to play instruments, but also to work with technical music equipment.

"It is nice for the children not only to know how to do music, but also read it too. Children from anywhere in PE can come for lessons," Williams said. Guitar and vocal coach at the music school, Francois Hugo, treated the pupils to a performance to show them what to expect.

Hugo said the school would offer beginner music theory, Grade 1 to Grade 8 theory, preschool instruments, piano, guitar, drums, voice and acoustic lessons and bass guitar.

The England-based Linden Music School will dispatch examiners to test pupils annually and those who pass will receive an international qualification.

"It is absolutely fantastic to be able to work from here. We never thought we would ever get the opportunity. We will be offering the classes every day after school," Hugo said.

He said they would also help prepare those who wanted to audition for reality singing show Idols.

Tole Olowookorun, in Grade 3, said she was keen on at least one instrument.

"I will ask my mom if I can do singing, too. I was touched by the way they played the guitar especially. When I know how to play it I can also teach other people how to," Tole said.

"I'm happy that they came to our school to introduce the programme."

Cem Cakmak, a Grade 8 pupil, agreed.

"I want to play the electric guitar because I did before, but stopped. It will be helpful in the future because a lot of people are complaining about not knowing how to play any instruments," Cem said.

Hugo can be reached on 082-787-0621.