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Ursa Major

Double Bassist

Also Performs As: Belly Dancer, Female Singer, Flutist
Country: South Africa
Based In: Pretoria, Gauteng
Performs: Worldwide
From: R850

I have a bachelor's degree in music and have been entertaining professionally since the age of nineteen in various orchestras and groups at both public and private events - various genres. I have taken belly dance lessons for the past two years at intermediate level.

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Description

Band musician (bass & flute) - various genres;
Backup singer;
Lead singer;
Music teacher (flute, bass, music theory, music history, sol-fa singing/technique)
Backup dancer/actor;
Face painting (kids / Halloween / Dress up party).

Biography

I am a 25 year old musician born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. I have always had an affinity for music and the arts, and started taking flute and music theory lessons at the age of seven. I started taking double bass lessons at the age of fifteen with Mr. Werner Spies, when my school wanted to start an orchestra and needed someone to play the instrument. During high school (2012-2016) I already played in various prestigious youth orchestras (principal flute in some, bass in others): AHMP Youth Orchestra, AHS School Orchestra and Simfonia Juventi.
I then went on to do a Bachelor's degr ... ee in music at the University of Pretoria. During my first year (2017) I played in the university jazz band, symphony orchestra and wind band. Occasionally I would also play for the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra and Pretoria Symphony Orchestra. My subjects included flute, bass, aural training, theory, history, music technology, ensemble and conducting. My bass and flute lecturers were Marike Prins and Anna-Maria Vermeulen, subjectively.
In my second year I also dabbled with film score composition and created a score for a short film called "Hello World" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilKGYY0G1kk). I also participated in the 2018 UNISA Grade 8 music competition (which I qualified for with 92% in my flute exam).
I completed my degree in 2021 after prolonging it with a year due to the pandemic.
In 2022 I attempted a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education through STADIO institution of education, gaining practical teaching experience at Pretoria Boys High School and Die Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria. I did not, however, complete the degree due to failing one of the modules (sign language). Furthermore I sang soprano for the Canendo Project choir under direction of Herman Swanepoel.
This year I have done secretary / personal assistance work for Spies Architects based in Pretoria, who curated the South African Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale this year. I have also been dabbling with rock / alternative band music (singing & electric bass) with a fellow musician and friend, Estevan Kuhn (guitarist). I also give bass lessons at Cornwall Hill College in Centurion.
For the past two years I have also been taking belly dance lessons with Ioanna Piagalis, a renowned performer and teacher in the style, and I frequently play for the Pretoria Symphony Orchestra and University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra. Occasionally I also accompany children's choirs on double bass.
Conductors I have worked with include: Gerben Grooten, Schalk van der Merwe, Jaco van Staden, Richard Cock, Mieke-Mari Kunz and Matheu Kieswetter.

Reviews (4 Reviews)

Ursa Major - Double Bassist - Pretoria, Gauteng Event Location: Pretoria, South Africa Event Type: Heritage day celebration 23rd September 2023

Ursa is a well organised individual and is a pleasure to work with. She is reliable and trustworthy. Miss Engelbrecht has my full support in applying for any position as a performer or teacher in music. She displays good musical abilities, and her hard-working mentality will be a good addition to any institution.

Reviewed by: Mr. Jaco van Staden

Ursa Major - Double Bassist - Pretoria, Gauteng Event Location: Pretoria, South Africa Event Type: Corporate event 1st September 2023

Ursa has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication as a double bass player throughout her membership with these orchestras. Her contribution as a musician has been truly outstanding. These appointments are a testament to her extraordinary skill and leadership abilities. Punctuality and preparedness are paramount in the world of orchestral performance, and Ursa consistently exhibits these traits, ensuring that rehearsals and performances run smoothly.

Reviewed by: Mr. Schalk van der Merwe

Ursa Major - Double Bassist - Pretoria, Gauteng Event Location: Pretoria, South Africa Event Type: University 25th October 2019

I have known Miss Engelbrecht since 2017 when she started her Bmus studies at the University of Pretoria. I was her double bass lecturer from 2017-2020. I have gotten to know Miss Engelbrecht as a very teachable student. She sets high standards for herself and is willing to work hard to achieve any goal that she sets for herself. She has a lot of integrity and her work ethic is commendable. She is an approachable person and loyal to her friends and colleagues. During her practical exams at the University I often engaged in conversation with her other lecturers and they always mentioned that Miss Engelbrecht stood out in her class, both as a person and academically. , She is soft-hearted, kind, artistic and has a good sense of humor. I can recommend her for any position she applies for and am willing to engage into any conversations needed to support her in her endeavours.

Reviewed by: Mrs. Marike Prins

Experience

Various Youth Orchestras (2012-2017)
University of Pretoria Jazz Band (2017)
University pf Pretoria Wind Band (2017-2018)
University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra (2017-)
Pretoria Symphony Orchestra (2017-)
Children's Choir Competitions (2022-2023)
Ioanna's Belly Dance Academy (2022-)

Previous Clients

Scalk van der Merwe - (+27) 79 886 9355, sj.vandermerwe@up.ac.za
String Things Event Musicians - (+27) 79 879 8539, info@stringthings.co.za
Jaco van Staden - (+27) 71 481 4828,
Alna Smit - (+27) 82 564 7795, alna.smit@ahmp.co.za
Annelie van Rooyen - (+27) 83 579 5798, annelie.vanrooyen@lscp.co.za
Antoinette Nightingale - (+27) 83 608 0607
Carla Spies - (+27) 72 185 6697, carla@spiesarchitects.co.za

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Bachelorette / Hen Party Birthday Party (Adult) Birthday Party (Child) Bridal Shower Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christmas Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Cruise Ships Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Funeral/Memorial Service Graduation Party Grand Opening Party Halloween Party High School Reunion Hotel Event New Year's Eve Party Nursing / Care Home Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Prom Night Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party School Event Session Work Theaters / Stage University / College Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Acting Experience

Performance is an act too...

Modelling Experience

Does figure modelling count?
I have done figure modelling for the University of Pretoria Visual Arts Department.

Physical Characteristics

Height: 1.7 meters

Weight: 73kg

Chest: 100cm

Waist: 82cm

Eyes: Hazel

Hair: Curly, Dark Brown

Shoe Size: 6/7

Skin tone: very light / fair

Hips: 105cm

Eye shape: Almond

Face shape: Oval

Virtual Services Offer

Online Music Theory Lessons

Need to refresh your memory on some music theory?
Want to learn some theory to better understand the music you're making?
In need of some guidance and extra preparation for your Royal Schools, UNISA or Trinity College theory exam?
Book a session with me!
Contact me for more info at ursaisabella@gmail.com or via WhatsApp (+27) 71 743 4427

Virtual Bass Lessons

If you are interested in learning to play this awesome instrument, or are looking to improve, send me a message! (I take beginners to intermediate level players.)
ursaisabella@gmail.com
(+27)71 743 4427

Virtual Flute Lessons

Are you fascinated with this "magical" instrument? If you have always wanted to play flute like a fairy, wood elf or Pied Piper, or simply wish to refine your skills as flautist, then come this way!
ursaisabella@gmail.com
(+27)71 743 4427