MCED Marching Band Competition
26 October 2022
The Metro Central Education District (MCED) hosted a marching band competition to showcase the talent, discipline and dedication of learners.
The competition was a collaboration between the district’s Safe Schools, School Enrichment and HIV/AIDS Units and the culmination of several holiday coaching programmes since 2021.
Twelve primary schools and three high schools participated in the event at Rhodes High School. Each squad had between 28 and 40 members, a coach and a team manager. They impressed the judges and spectators with the way they carried themselves on and off the field throughout the competition on 03 and 04 October 2022.
Marching teaches learners about self-pride, school-pride and ultimately country-pride. Marching also builds self-confidence, leadership skills, responsibility, teamwork, commitment, time management and discipline in learners and this was displayed during the competition.
The MCED Marching Band Competition was facilitated by the Western Province Marching Association, led by Saeed Ruiters. The adjudication was done independently by various law enforcement agencies such as the South African Police Service, Cape Town Metro Police and Law Enforcement.
In the category for high schools, Bonteheuwel High School won the award for most disciplined school, best dressed and best exhibition. Crystal High School had the best drum major and best grand march past. Mount View Secondary School finished in third place overall.
The primary schools competed in different sections. Talfalah Primary School scored the most points in the C-section, Rio Grande Primary School won the B-section, and Red River Primary School finished in first place in the A-section.
The following special awards were awarded:
Best percussion: Parkfields Primary School
Best newcomers: Rosewood Primary School
HIV/AIDS Awareness: Talfalah Primary School
HIV/AIDS Most inspirational team: Bonga Primary School
HIV/AIDS Most developed team: Zimasa Primary School
Drum major mace 1: Rio Grande Primary School
Drum major mace 2: Saambou Primary School
Drum major mace 3: Bonga Primary School
Appreciation award: Zimasa Primary School
