HONOURS AWARD FOR MUSIC

KWAKHANYA MBENYANA

”Where in the storm begins the silence, the rainbow appears. Where in the orchestra begins the majesty, the horn appears.”         – Evangelos Skouras

Kwakhanya joined the Kingswood Music School family in 2017 when she was in Grade 5. She started learning the Trumpet but switched to the French horn the following year. 

The French horn is loved for its warm and velvet sound but don’t be fooled, it is known as one of the most difficult instruments to learn; requiring controlled embouchure and lip tension. Khanya has been committed and disciplined on her musical journey over the years, displaying great time management skills, resolve and determination. It is clear that her efforts have paid off as she achieved a Merit for her Trinity College (London) Grade 8 French horn examination last week. 

Khanya joined the Concert Band in her final term of Junior School and has been a member of KC5 Brass since its establishment in 2020.  She has been a dedicated team player; her mentoring of younger and less-experienced horn players has been valued and appreciated and she is always eager to play solo parts within these ensembles.

In her Grade 9 year, Khanya was awarded the Cadle Cup for ‘the Best Brass player in the Band’. She has dominated the Brass space since then, keeping the Cup for four years. In 2023 she also obtained the Esme Godlonton Prize for most outstanding achievement and contribution.

Khanya is willing to step out of her comfort zone by continually challenging herself. This is evident in various facets of her musical journey:  Makana Community Orchestra member since its inception, playing in the successful ‘All that Jazz’ Show Ensemble, attending the 2023 East Cape Wind Orchestra Course, performing with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra at the 2023 Makhanda National Arts Festival and performing solo items at master classes and various concerts on and off campus.

Kwakhanya is a worthy recipient of this Honours award for Music due to her willing attitude, her high standard of playing and the high level of discipline she applies to her art. She is a dedicated ambassador for music and the College.