I was fortunate after only a few days at the GAP school to be able to attend a choir competition. I didn't know much about what was going on, but having heard snippets of practice, I knew I wanted to be there. Besides, as the person who would likely be helping develop a yearbook and a webpage -- pictures needed to be taken.
There were only 3 choirs in our school's category. One school couldn't attend, I've now forgotten the reason. The first choir was from the Africaans school. In Canada we have schools based in a specific language, e.g., our French immersion schools in Ontario, because we are a nation of two languages. South Africa is a nation of 11 languages -- Africaans, English, Xhosa, Zula and 7 other South African languages. So, to find that there was an Africaans school, was not too 
surprising. They sang a song in English and one in Africaans. They did a good job, though the selections were rather old-fashioned from such a
youthful group.
surprising. They sang a song in English and one in Africaans. They did a good job, though the selections were rather old-fashioned from such aThe Queen's College boys then performed. Their's is a prestigious boys' school that has been around 151 years. It is a private school where fees are paid and with such history behind them, plus lots of government support in the "old days", they are fortunate to have wonderful facilities. There is a girls' school counterpart nearby which has a similar history and tradition. They both are schools for kids up to grade 12, when they attempt to pass the nation-wide matriculation exams at the end of the school year. These boys performed
admirably. They did two songs in English. One slow, the other lively, rhythmical and accompanied with movement. As the choirs sang, their competitors listened appreciatively.
The time came for the GAP choir to sing and I almost didn't get my camera out in time I was so taken with the environment of the ivy covered buildings, stain glass windows, earnest singers and excited teachers. The GAP choir sang one song in English and one song in Xhosa. It was also a contrast of styles, one slow, the other lively and animated with gestures and dancing. At the sound of their full-throated voices that filled the hall completely with a mature sound that defied their years -- my socks were officially knocked off. Listen!
When the judges gave the results of their deliberations, they had good things to say about all the groups and some constructive comments. But based
on the performance, musicianship, tonality and everything that makes a choir outstanding, they awarded the GAP choir a gold in both categories, giving them the edge in the competition. They had won a Double Gold! This was a proud moment for the group and for their teacher who has been at the school barely two years. As we were about to board vehicles to return to school, the exultant choir posed for pictures and couldn't contain themselves. They spontaneously burst into song, just for the love and joy of it. I didn't even know these kids, had been there only two days, but I was so proud and touched by their exuberance, that I knew I wanted to be a part of the effort to help them be successful.
admirably. They did two songs in English. One slow, the other lively, rhythmical and accompanied with movement. As the choirs sang, their competitors listened appreciatively. The time came for the GAP choir to sing and I almost didn't get my camera out in time I was so taken with the environment of the ivy covered buildings, stain glass windows, earnest singers and excited teachers. The GAP choir sang one song in English and one song in Xhosa. It was also a contrast of styles, one slow, the other lively and animated with gestures and dancing. At the sound of their full-throated voices that filled the hall completely with a mature sound that defied their years -- my socks were officially knocked off. Listen!
When the judges gave the results of their deliberations, they had good things to say about all the groups and some constructive comments. But based
on the performance, musicianship, tonality and everything that makes a choir outstanding, they awarded the GAP choir a gold in both categories, giving them the edge in the competition. They had won a Double Gold! This was a proud moment for the group and for their teacher who has been at the school barely two years. As we were about to board vehicles to return to school, the exultant choir posed for pictures and couldn't contain themselves. They spontaneously burst into song, just for the love and joy of it. I didn't even know these kids, had been there only two days, but I was so proud and touched by their exuberance, that I knew I wanted to be a part of the effort to help them be successful.
put me in tears.
ReplyDeletethank you for hauling that camera.