Ensembles at Hilton College are created to suit the blend of instrumentalists that are in the music department at a given time. The department members often arrange music for these ensembles as they frequently use diverse and unusual instrumental combinations. We try to involve as many boys as possible, and as soon as a boy is able to play with sufficient competence, he is encouraged to play in an ensemble. The ultimate aim is to have sufficient players of a high standard on a variety of instruments so that an orchestra may be formed. Mr. Udal is master in charge of ensembles and oversees rehearsals and ensemble formation.

The ensembles are tabled briefly below: 

• St Anne's & Hilton College Combined Youth Orchestra
• 'Dlala Kanye' Ensemble
• Jazz Band
• Marimba Band
• Gumboot Troupe

Please scroll down for a more detailed explanation of the ensembles:

St Anne's & Hilton College Combined Youth Orchestra

The increase of talented instrumentalists, both at Hilton College and St Anne's DSG, has necessitated the need for a Youth Orchestra in the Midlands under the baton of Mr. Jeff Judge and assisted by Mr. Brett Udal. The repertoire ranges from light classical works, entertaining movie themes to compositions written by Mr. Judge himself.

Rehearsals are shared and take place at Hilton College Memorial Hall (Terms 1 and 4) and; St Anne's DSG (Terms 2 and 3) Band Room on a Wednesday evening from 18:15 to 19:30.

The following boys play in the Youth orchestra:

• Keegan Bentley (Oboe)
• Timothy Buckley (Bassoon)
• David de Gruchy (Alto Saxophone)
• Thomas Johnstone (Trumpet)
• Noashin Naidoo (Alto Saxophone)
• Yann Ngameni (Tenor Saxophone)
• Thando Skenjana (Double-bass/Percussion)
• Kyle Sinclair (Violin)
• Jonothan Smithers (Electric Guitar)
• Master-in-Charge: Mr. Brett Udal (Violin) 

'Dlala Kanye'(Zulu: Playing together)

This senior ensemble consists of more advanced players who play a range of music from Renaissance to Tango. The format is flexible depending on the arrangement, but the following boys are included in one or more of the groupings:

• Timothy Buckley (Bassoon)
• Keegan Bentley (Oboe)
• Mr. Hennie Nolte (Piano)
• Master-in-charge: Mr. Brett Udal (Violin)

Rehearsals take place in the Ensemble Room 7 on a Tuesday and Thursday between 14:15 and 15:00

Jazz Band

The Jazz Band started in 2008 and has recently been reassigned to Mr. Bernard Kisby-Green. The following boys are involved:

• Nicholas Loxton (Flute)
• Yann Ngameni (Tenor Saxophone)
• David de Gruchy (Keyboards/Alto Saxophone)
• Thomas Johnstone (Trumpet 1)
• James Bezuidenhout (Trumpet 2)
• Jonothan Smithers (Electric Guitar)
• Dylan Perrett (Principal Bass Guitar)
• Joe Hacker (Bass Guitar)
• Wandile Xulu (Drumkit)

Rehearsals take place in the AV Room on Fridays from 14:15 to 15:45.

Marimba Band

The Marimba Band is also a new addition to the Hilton College Music Department which started in 2009. Mr. Yanga Bangani is the tutor. Mr. Mike Sibanda (Head of Music: St Sithians Boys' Preparatory School) workshops with the boys on a regular basis.  

Rehearsals take place in the Music block's Ensemble Room 7 on a Wednesday and Friday evening at 18:15 to 19:30

The following boys are involved:

• Ross Jakins
• Mpumi Dladla
• Theuns Nel
• Mfunde Zungu
• David Frost
• Peter Frost
• Ilyaas Mayet (Deputy Head)
• Thabo Gcabashe (Head of Marimbas)
• Tsepho Motaung
• Mino Dlamini
• Sipho Gule-Davidson
• Bantu Futshane
• Daniel Dix
• Jordan Epstein
• Itumelang Maphage
• Thomas Webber

 Gumboot Troupe

The Gumboot troupe is run entirely by boys. They audition possible members and work out the entire routine. Thabo Gcabashe heads up the 2010 Gumboot Troupe.

The Gumboot Troupe rehearses on a Friday evening between 18:00 and 19:00.