

The Grey High School Band is a cherished pillar of our institution. It has etched its melody into the heart of the school our city and the Old Grey community. Our Music Department, is a hidden jewel, standing as a beacon of pride, tirelessly striving for excellence and equipping young men with invaluable life skills. Yet, our current facilities, particularly our performance venues, fall short, leaving us trailing behind some of our rivals, many of whom boast dedicated music blocks, conservatoires and mini-concert halls.
The new Music & Arts Centre will address this critical need and more.
PROJECT VISION
Our vision is to transform the no longer fit-for-purpose Murray Gymnasium on the east wing into a state-of-the-art concert auditorium complete with modern facilities. With a capacity to host up to 500 patrons, the auditorium addresses the limitations of our existing infrastructure.
As part of our grand vision, we plan to include a beautifully landscaped courtyard that will serve as an additional event space, harmoniously linking arts, sports, and academia.
This ground-breaking initiative is set to boost the music, arts, and cultural scene at Grey High School significantly. It will create a dedicated space for musical pursuits and craft an inviting outdoor atmosphere. We aim to etch a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of our boys while nurturing a rich cultural tradition that will resonate through generations.
Moreover, this facility will not only be a treasure for Grey High School but also a valuable asset to the wider Port Elizabeth – Gqeberha community, who will be able to appreciate and utilise it.
Encompassing more than just music, this centre will serve as a vibrant hub for all the arts, including art, performing arts/drama, and dance, providing a platform to nurture and showcase talent.
The MAC will also provide an additional entrance point on the campus via Wares Road and will serve as the welcoming point for patrons attending events.
WALKTHROUGH VIDEO
PROJECT GALLERY






PROGRESS August 2024

We officially broke ground on the 13th of June and when you spot construction at our school, you’ll know what amazing work is underway.
In the photo: Our talented junior and senior music students, Grey Junior Head of Music Etienne Mecloen, Headmaster of Grey Junior Grant Butler, Rector of Grey High Christian Erasmus, and Grey High Head of Music Shawn Lyon.
BY THE END OF JUNE, CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS IS WELL UNDERWAY:




PROGRESS November 2024
We’re delighted to share an update on the construction of The Grey’s Music and Arts Centre. Despite weather delays and exam disruptions, remarkable progress has been made, and the project’s two phases have now merged to maintain our momentum.
Key accomplishments include the completion of the electrical first fix and the arrival of acoustic panels. Auditorium lighting has been installed, bathroom screeds are prepped for tiling, and carpeting is down in advance of seat installation, scheduled for early December. The Wares Road Elevation awaits final finishes, and the roof slab over the main entrance is in place. We’re also pleased to announce that the elevator has arrived on-site, ready for installation.











“Grey was where I discovered my natural affinity for music. Over the next 7/8 years, I began to grasp the magical power of music, thanks to excellent individual lessons and being part of both the Junior School wind band and the High School brass band. In these ensembles, I learned about community and the importance of playing a small role in a larger group, understanding that all music and art are composed of their individual parts. This lesson is especially significant in today’s self-obsessed world.
Marcus Wyatt (Old Grey 1989)
Through music, I cultivated a curious mind and learned to channel creativity in a healthy and enjoyable manner. Whether we pursue music professionally or not, its practice enriches young minds and souls, fostering growth and learning in numerous positive ways.
I believe this musical tradition is integral to Grey’s success, contributing to its ability to produce accomplished figures across various fields. Life without music is unimaginable — may Grey’s musical tradition continue and flourish indefinitely!”
– South African Trumpet / Composer / Arranger / Band Leader
MAC PROJECT COST
The facility will cost a total of R29.5 million. A significant portion of the required funding has already been secured from individual anchor donors in the US, UK and South Africa as well as major support from The Grey Foundation and the school parent body.
A further R8.5 million needs to be raised in order to complete the project.
DONOR RECOGNITION WALL
As part of acknowledging and recognising our Donors, a Donor Recognition Wall will take pride of place in the Centre.
Donations in tiers will be recognised in the form of wall plaques as follows:


HOW TO DONATE
We invite you to join us on this fantastic venture, help us make this vision a reality, and as a community we can hit the high notes together!
All donations are welcome and you can sign up for a monthly debit order donation, please complete this easy online Paysoft form:
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Or you can make a once-off donation into our bank account:
Account name: The Grey Foundation Trust
Standard Bank
Account No: 080 290 086
Branch code: 05 04 17
Reference: Your initials & Surname / MAC
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All donations from South African Taxpayers will receive a Section 18A tax certificate, for tax deduction purposes.
Thank you in advance and we look forward to keeping you up-to-date on developments, news and fundraising progress. This is a monumental project and we can’t wait to see the incredible benefits it will bring to The Grey and our extended community. The MAC will become the much-needed cultural nexus of Port Elizabeth – Gqeberha.
For any questions or assistance required, contact us at
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Kind regards
Dr Mark Bodley Mr Andrew Bradley
SA Fundraising Leader Grey Foundation Chair