Durban High School has perpetuated a ‘Heritage of Excellence’ for 150 years, being Durban’s oldest school. The school has positioned itself to lead boys on their journey to become men and take their place in the world. Each boy is as unique as his journey, and DHS is proud to be part of the making of both history and the future. More than just a high school, DHS becomes a way of life for many of its learners.
The DHS Foundation was established to generate financial support for DHS through partnership with the school community of Old Boys, parents, staff and learners. The Foundation has provided opportunities to pledge support, whether it be financial or in the form of sharing expertise, in order to ensure that the strategic objectives of Durban High School are met now and in the future.
In 2007 DHS Old Boy Chris Seabrooke, funded the building of Seabrooke’s Theatre, which has become a popular venue for many local productions in the city. Once again Chris has demonstrated his dedicated support both for the boys and the ethos of the school by self-funding the brand new state of the art Music Centre which is due to open on 21 October 2016.
Despite a busy business career in which he has been on the boards of twenty-five JSE listed companies,Seabrooke has always been engaged with the arts and with music in particular. He co-produced over 20 stage musicals mostly with Joan Brickhill and Louis Burke, including Meet Me In St Louis on Broadway for which he received a Tony Award Nomination. He was also Chairman of the State Theatre of South Africa, Deputy Chairman of the inaugural Board Of the National Arts Council and Deputy Chairman of the founding Board of Business & Arts South Africa.
After a series of interviews, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s favourite songbirds – singer and songwriter Natalie Rungan, who has her Masters degree in music, and four albums under her belt, was appointed as the Director of the Music Centre, much to the delight of all. When asked about her recent appointment as Director, Natalie commented, “Music Education has been sorely neglected in South African public schools for many years. It is very encouraging as an active performing artist to see such amazing support for the future of music education in schools by this world class music facility. I am motivated and challenged to take on the task of inspiring young minds and developing future musicians in our country.”
The new Chris Seabrooke Music Centre will boast soundproof practice rooms, an auditorium that houses a Yamaha baby grand piano, as well as a project-recording studio. This facility will be a platform for young musicians to grow their talent, with endless possibilities.
