English Page
A word of welcome
Our mission is to tap the talents that are present in everyone. Our offer are solid music and theatre courses in a pleasant atmosphere!
Dear guest,
On behalf of our staff and myself, I wish to extend a warm welcome to our English speaking friends. Whether or not this is your first encounter with the CDE music and theatre academy, we hope you enjoy your stay. The objective of this website is twofold: to provide our students with online information as well as to help those not familiar with CDE to become acquainted with what we do.
Although our school consists almost entirely of Dutch speaking students, we positively welcome English speaking people. Nevertheless please understand the greater part of this website being predominantly in Dutch.
CDE is a Flemish independent educational organization for popular music and contemporary theatre. CDE was founded in 1998. The theatre section was set up a few years later. We offer a solid music and theatre training in a pleasant and non-schoolish environment. Target audience are adult and youngster who prefer an education outside or in conjunction with the public school. Our beginner´s courses offer novices a first profound introduction to playing music or acting. Additional target of our courses is to encourage the students in their creativity and to offer them a lot of fun at the same time. Also the recreational and social aspects are not forgotten.
We are located in Hoboken, which is city district of Antwerp, situated on the southern outskirts. The location is conveniently accessible from all areas by car (10 minutes from exit No. 5A of the Antwerp Ring) and public transport (train, tram/underground and bus). Another establishment in the Antwerp Eastern outskirts is planned.
I hope your visit won´t be limited to the website. I invite everyone who´d like to make music, sing or perform to take part on our courses. Don't hesitate to contact us if you´d like more information or would like to ask something. Your wishes, suggestions and comments will allow us to constantly optimize the offer and activities.
To conclude: please simply apply for our newsletter (click here) - you’ll receive a few times a year info on our courses and events.
Meanwhile I wish you a lot of success and fun!
Peter Gielen,
President
P.S.: For a quick handling of your enrolment and inquires you can always reach us by phone 03 288 1234 or you can send us an email here.
Contact
Premises: 32-36 Berkenrodelei, Hoboken nr. Antwerp
Phone: 03 288 1234
Email: info@cdemusic.be
Mailing address/Registered Office: CDE Music vzw, c/o Hendriklei 145/2, 2660 Hoboken (Antwerp)
History
CDE was nothing than a small nameless music ensemble when it saw the light of day in 1998. It happened at a place called "The Hopsack", which was an obscure artist's pub in the centre of Antwerp City where people of all kinds used to meet. It was there where Peter, Clara, Linda († 1999) and Bart met and became unconsciously CDE's first members.
By the end of 1998 a proper rehearsal room was found at a parish house in Antwerp. CDE Music was formally founded.
Because the organization didn't have a real name at that time, the first three notes of the C major scale (C, D and E) were adopted as temporary name. So CDE is not an abbreviation and doesn't refer to Compact Disc either!
In the years 2000–2002 CDE’s activities were gradually extended and its membership grew steadily. The nameless club of yesteryear was transformed to a nonprofit corporation. The name "CDE" was kept and became the group's official name. The corporate structure and the formation of the Board of Directors are shown below.
Towards the end of 2002 the location in Antwerp-Kiel appears not to able to meet the needs of our growing organization. The Board of Directors cut the proverbial knot in October 2002 and decided to move a few miles further southward to Hoboken.
With its new home, the organization remains established in the greater Antwerp area and is even more accessible regarding its purpose group. Also important is that the members, musicians and friends feel much more at home at the modern, polyvalent and youth friendly Moretus Centre.
CDE Band
Antwerp based male/female vocal/instrumental group. Music genre: popular music. Founded 2001. A brief biography of the individual members as well as sound and video clips will be added later.
Organization
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
President: Peter Gielen
Vice President: Marion Smith
Secretary: Willy Minnen (retired)
Acting Secretary: Wilfried Billiet
Treasurer: Elisabeth Hameleers
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Supervisor: Peter Gielen
Technical Management/Logistics: Dirk Peeters, Henri van Parys
Theatre department: Hennie de Graaf
ADVISORY BOARD
Marcel Brocatus, Tony Rombouts, Roger de Paepe and others
HONORARY MEMBERS
Honorary Committee: Marcel Brocatus, Roger Peeters, Dirk Peeters
Posthumously inducted Honorary Members: Linda Dom (†1999), Roger Geysen († 2003)
VOLUNTARY STAFF
In addition to the above mentioned permanent staff and councillors the organization can gratefully rely on an eager team of voluntary staff members.