Meet the Voices Behind Track Five
Dive into the stories of the talented artists who form the heart of Track Five. Our ensemble, based in Cape Town, brings together diverse backgrounds, shared passions, and individual accomplishments to create a harmonious blend that is both unique and deeply rooted in musical tradition.
Meet Danelle de Vries
Soprano
Hailing from Worcester, Danelle’s journey through musical theatre to becoming a dedicated music teacher showcases her deep commitment to the arts. With two original albums to her name, she embodies the spirit of creativity that pulses through Track Five.
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Singer-songwriter from Worcester. Studied Musical Theatre, whereafter she was a freelance performer for a decade, recorded two original albums: “Net vir die Mooi” and “Son Sien Opkom”. The first, an independent project and the latter with SONY. She has been a Maestro of the South African Music Appreciation and – Development School since 2009. She is currently also the full-time Music teacher at Worcester-Oos Primary School, heading the department for Performing Arts. She has been a member of Track Five on and off for almost 23 years and is most grateful to be back in the mix after an 8-year hiatus.
Meet Elizma Badenhorst
Alto
With a foundation in musical theatre and a history of international choir competition success, Elizma’s return to Cape Town marked her rejoining Track Five. Her expertise adds a rich layer of sophistication to our group’s performances.
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Elizma’s affinity for vocal groups began in her youth, notably through her participation in DF Malan High School’s chamber choir, which clinched victory in the Béla Bartók Choir Competition in Debrecen, Hungary, during the 1990s, guided by the masterful Danie Smit.
She obtained a B.Tech in Musical Theatre from Tshwane University of Technology in 2005, setting a strong foundation for her musical theatre career. Immediately after graduation, she joined Track Five and performed with South Africa’s esteemed Glenn Miller Orchestra under Jonny Cooper’s direction.
Transitioning to theatre directing, Elizma spent over two decades in Johannesburg, leaving her mark by establishing The Dahlings, a dynamic female vocal trio that entertained audiences nationwide from 2008 to 2013.
Returning to her beloved Cape Town in 2017, she rejoined Track Five as second soprano, affording her the opportunity to combine two of her biggest passions in life: jazz and singing in vocal groups. (If only there were a way to include her other two biggest passions in life, her two kitties, Lily and Penelope…)
Meet Earl Maswabi
Tenor
Earl’s extensive experience in choral and a cappella music, spanning from gospel to jazz, brings a dynamic range to our ensemble. His dedication to vocal harmony enriches our collective sound.
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Embarking on a melodious journey his singing career spans two decades, marked by a rich repertoire of choral and a cappella experiences. As a tenor in a youth choir for twelve years I have honed my vocal skills, blending harmoniously in a collective expression of youth and vigour. Transitioning to an eight-year tenure with a versatile 5-part vocal a cappella group (A5), his repertoire expanded from the soulful depths of gospel to the intricate rhythms of jazz. He performed solo with Track Five and with A5 in a 10-part harmony (Over the Rainbow, My Friend, Ave Maria) as well as with Just 6 (Stimela).
Meet Arthur Pietersen
Baritone
As a vocal arranger and community music teacher, Arthur’s passion for music extends beyond performance. His work in arranging and education demonstrates the depth of his commitment to the craft.
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Arthur has been a member of Track Five since 2013, but took a brief break in 2019 and has rejoined in 2023. He is a keen vocal arranger and has produced numerous vocal pieces over the last 15 years. His love for community and music, inspired him to present free informal guitar classes for 24 years to date.
Meet Donal Slemon
Bass
Donal’s classical training and love for jazz fuse to add a profound depth to our performances. His versatility as a performer enriches Track Five’s repertoire, bridging classical and jazz worlds.
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Donal is a graduate of U.C.T. Opera School and the Cape Town Opera Studio. He has performed in Opera, Musicals, a capella vocal groups (Not The Midnight Mass, Track Five) and Theatre, beginning his professional performing career at the age of 16. Opera roles include Don Alfonso (‘Cosi Fan Tutte’), Masetto (‘Don Giovanni’), Angelotti (‘Tosca’), Melchior (‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’), Seneca (‘Coronation of Poppea’), and in Germany as a Member of the Opera Bonn ensemble.
His love of Jazz was ignited hearing his parent’s L.P. of the Oscar Peterson Trio, and blossomed when he was press-ganged into Track Five to sing Bass way back in the days before the internet was a thing, and hand-written scores were ‘de rigeur’.
Being alternately mentored, tortured and fed by founder Gavin Fullard precipitated many critically appraised concerts such as those with the Clive Sharrock Big Band, and the Glenn Miller Band S.A. with Jonny Cooper as well as gigs at the KKNK and the erstwhile ‘Green Dolphin’ Jazz venue in Cape Town.
Since Donal has always switched between the classical and Jazz worlds, a sabbatical from Track Five ensued but the ‘lure of the flat 7th’ proved so strong that he rejoined recently upon being threatened with an unresolved plagal cadence.
Meet Gavin Fullard
Founder/Arranger/Composer
Gavin’s vision and expertise in jazz arrangements are the backbone of Track Five. His leadership and creative direction have guided the group from its inception, crafting a sound that is both innovative and inviting.
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Gavin is the mastermind behind the group. With varied choral background, and inspired by the ensemble sounds of the big bands and vocal groups of the forties, Gavin developed a passion for arranging for jazz vocal groups. He worked with vocal groups while teaching in the United Kingdom and United States of America during the sixties. Back in South Africa he formed his own vocal group, Tangerine, in 1975 and enjoyed 18 years of radio, television and cabaret work.
In 1994 he formed his new group, Track Five. Gavin’s ability for jazz arrangements is second to none. You can expect fresh, complex and interesting jazz arrangements that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, wanting more.
Book Us for Your Event
Track Five’s singers are not just performers; they are storytellers, educators, and innovators in their own right.
From the stages of Cape Town to the international arena, they bring their rich musical heritage and individual flair to every note. Join us in celebrating the talent and dedication that make our vocal group a beloved fixture in the South African jazz scene.
Let the unique blend of voices from Track Five elevate your next function.