Fifteen pupils from Queen’s College primary school have made it into the Guinness World Records after performing in the largest marimba ensemble ever assembled.
The boys, from grades 5 to 7, were among 1,177 participants who gathered at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, in Cape Town, on August 2.
Organised by Marimba Jam, the event smashed the previous record of 505 participants set in Guatemala, with the SA ensemble performing an eight-minute, 58-second medley of Waka Waka by Shakira and Jerusalema by Master KG.
An adjudicator flown in from London oversaw proceedings to ensure the record was legitimate.
The Queen’s College pupils received their official Guinness medals during a special school assembly on Friday last week.
The school’s cultural department head, Rowan Knight, said it could not pass up the opportunity.
“We received an invitation from Marimba Jam to take part in the moment. We took the offer, and pupils were very excited to be a part of something special.
“The parents were on board too. The pupils couldn’t wait for the medals to get handed to them.”
Knight, who has taught at Queen’s College Primary for 25 years, described the achievement as one of the highlights of his career.
“The school has never had such an opportunity to be part of the Guinness World Record books. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
“It’s not every day you get to take part and break a world record.
“You feel really proud to know that your musical band was able to go and break a record. It’s something that the children can remember forever.”
Grade 5 pupil Lithalethu Gule said he was thrilled to have been part of the experience.
“I am very proud of myself. This is a very good achievement for me and my parents feel very proud of me.”
Afrikaans teacher Retief van der Merwe, who accompanied the group, said the achievement was particularly significant for a school better known for its sporting success.
“To be there with the boys was a personal win for me as a teacher.
“A big part of Queen’s College is to give such opportunities to learners. We teach them in class and coach them during extramurals every day. To see it all come together is truly special.”
Headmaster Collin Hartley said the record-breaking performance was a standout moment for the school.
“Our school is generally known for other extramural achievements, specifically its sports like rugby and cricket.
“To have this type of achievement in the cultural department is special. We have received a number of accolades in the past. However, this is the pinnacle.”
He praised Knight’s role in building the school’s music offering.
“We have a number of long-serving educators at the school like Mr Knight.
“He always brought outstanding achievements for the school in the years that he has been here.
“I don’t think the music department would be where it is without him.
“He’s the one who took the initiative to start the marimba band at the school in the first place. That was driven by his passion.”
The school has already accepted an invitation from Marimba Jam to compete in the world championships in Johannesburg next year, and hopes to collaborate with the high school’s marimba band.
Daily Dispatch
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