Mr André Oosthuizen (flute)
Mr Kagiso Ramela (saxophone)
Prof Liesl van der Merwe (bassoon)
Mr Morné van Heerden (clarinet)
The woodwind department at NWU School of Music is an energetic and exciting department where students can learn in a positive and musically enriching environment. A team of well-established performers and teachers offer flute, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Ensemble playing plays an important part in your musical journey when studying at NWU School of Music, and students can join a great variety of ensembles, including the NWU Symphony Orchestra, the North West Youth Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Woodwind Ensemble, the Big Band, chamber music groups, and in community music settings. Your education will also include exposure to excellent players and teachers from around the country and the world. One such example is the annual visit of the esteemed bassoon player, Douglas Bull, who is a bassoonist in the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and shares best practices with the NWU bassoon students.
For further information about woodwind performance at the School of Music, please contact Mr André Oosthuizen.
Bassoon
Prof van der Merwe teaches for well-being. She fosters positive relationships with her students and engages them during lessons by playing duets with them and using movement when applicable. Prof van der Merwe also supports and facilitates the achievement of her students’ goals. Many of her students have played in the South African National Youth Orchestra (SANYO), completed their studies and are employed as musicians. She also supports SANYO in their What it takes bassoon courses and has presented masterclasses at these courses since 2015. A highlight is the annual visit of the esteemed bassoon player Douglas Bull. He is a bassoonist in the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and shares best practices with the NWU bassoon students.
When you study bassoon at NWU School of Music, you’ll get the opportunity to play in many different contexts, including the NWU Symphony Orchestra, the North-West Youth Orchestra, the NWU Wind Ensemble, chamber music groups, and in community music settings.
For further information about bassoon performance at the School of Music, please contact Prof Liesl van der Merwe.