The original McGregor brass band was started by Brother M. Afrika of the Methodist Church. The band played with the Robertson Methodist Church brass band and were known for their lively performances.

Boetie Barry and Aunt Lenie:

The Coloured brass band used to play door to door during every Christmas and Easter time – and they conclude their procession by walking up Kleinberg (where the McGregor sign is on the mountain). Aunty Lenie Smit gets teary eyed when she recalls the brass band, and how Aunt Johanna Bauman, a Coloured woman from a neighbouring farm, used to come into the village on her donkey cart and take them out for a New Year’s picnic in the Koningsriviervallei.

The Unistars Christmas Choir

The band later re-established itself as ‘The Unistars Christmas Choir’ in March 1990, when a group of residents decided to form an orchestra and choir. ‘Unistars’ refers to the idea of spreading light and hope through music –not only in McGregor, but universally.

The then-Mayor, Mr. Piet Oktober, and Oom AD Arendorf, helped raise funds for new instruments. The choir then officially founded and adopted a constitution with the support of headmaster Henry Galant.

It first focused on church and Christian music, as well as community involvement. It aimed to bring young people together through music as a way of keeping them away from negative influences.

Later, the involvement of music experts such as Patricia and John Webers greatly improved the music department, with the Unistars excelling in music competitions, especially in drill and dress. At one stage the choir had almost 100 members. A high point was winning first place in a national competition in 2015/2016.

The choir is active and provides service to the community through church services, funerals, weddings and trips to different towns, nursing homes and hospitals. They hold thanksgiving services where trophies are dedicated to the Lord.

Kern:

The Unistars Christmas Choir is a symbol of faith, community cooperation, musical passion and perseverance. They bound generations together and carried McGregor's name out with pride.

McGregor Musiek Opleiding Sentrum

In 2006, Abraham (Awie) Page decided to found the McGregor Musiek Opleiding Sentrum (MMOS or the McGregor Music Training Centre). The aim was to teach school children to play instruments so they could join the Unistars Christmas Choir.

As well as offering training, the MMOS gave performances and offered youth camps and tours, including to Springbok, Mossel Bay and other places.

In 2012 the training center merged with Unistars and many highlights were achieved together.