(Werner
Dannewitz in a rare relaxed moment in Mauritius)
The Durban Music Community is in mourning
after the passing early this morning (November 21) of Werner Dannewitz, one of
its foremost teachers and mentors who had been battling with serious health
problem for a couple of months.
The long time conductor of the KZN Youth
Wind band, clarinet instructor administrator and founder of the Durban Music
School, Werner Dannewitz influenced countless young lives and helped shape many
of South Africa’s professional wind and brass players.
A classical clarinet player, born and
trained in Germany, “Mr D” played with the then Durban Symphony Orchestra and
founded the Natal Youth Wind Band, the fore-runner of the KZN Youth Wind Band
in 1977.Under his instruction, the band would go on to win numerous
international competitions both locally and abroad.
As tributes pour in for the man who was so
passionate about developing the youth through music, Brett Alborough, current
first clarinet of the band, had this to say,” Today we lose one of the greatest
musicians to have ever blessed this world with his talent. Mr. Dannewitz was a
teacher, a mentor, a confidant and like a second father to me. I cannot believe
that he is gone but I know that he has left an incredible legacy behind.”
Michael Straeli, and ex trombone and
euphonium player in the band, and currently practicing law in Johannesburg said,
“His hard work, dedication and love for the KZN Youth Wind Band, and what he did
for it over the years to take it to the very top (of the World!) will not be
forgotten. His "Dammit man"; perfect rhythm; recollections of conversations
with Mozart about how, and at what speed, to play Marriage of Figaro; the "one two, one two three, one two
three, one two" of Armenian Dances; and perhaps most importantly, the
opportunities he gave to young musicians wanting to make a living in the music
world.”
His musical inspiration gave many players
the platform they needed to take the music further in the world, with current
and ex band members now playing in orchestras such as the KZN Philharmonic, Johannesburg
Philharmonic, Cape Philharmonic Youth, Durban City, Johannesburg Symphony,
Randburg Symphony and the Verbier Symphony in Switzerland, just to name a few.
It can be safely said that this man has
shaped the music scene in South Africa as we know it. And yet, as many mourn
his passing, solace can be found in the legacy that is left behind.
Werner Dannewitz leaves a long, long list
of musicians, and professionals in all fields who look back fondly on their time
with the KZN Youth Wind Band, and the Durban Music School. The DMS will
continue to function under the principals of youth development through music
and furthering professional opportunities for young musicians.
If nothing else, “Mr D” can be proud of the
fact that his legacy will outlive him and continue his particular brand of eccentric,
funny, caring and loving brand of musical leadership.
Funeral details will be published on http://www.kznywb.za.org/ as
well as artSMart as soon as they become available. More information from Edrich
de Lange on email: edd@edd.za.net
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