Curro Brackenfell Knightingales crowned winners at choir competition

Keanan Harmse|Published 2 years ago

Curro Brackenfell Primary School’s junior choir, the Knightingales, seen performing at this year’s national Sing in Harmonie choir competition, held in Pretoria. Seen above is the school’s main choir conductor Myrtle van den Heever.

Curro Brackenfell Primary School’s junior choir, the Knightingales, clinched first place at this year’s national Sing in Harmonie choir competition, which was held in Pretoria last weekend

The school’s senior choir scooped third place on the day where approximately 130 school choirs across the country took part in the annual competition that’s described as one of the biggest school choir competitions in South Africa, according to spokeswoman Nosipho Mlotsana.

In 2019, the junior choir won the Western Cape finals and the senior choir came second.

Choir conductor, Myrtle van den Heever and choir accompanist Lelanie Hoffmann, were responsible for choosing music pieces for both choirs and coaching the pupils.

“The junior choir performed two songs at the competition: Noyana an isiXhosa song about going to heaven and Kaboemielies, an upbeat Afrikaans song,“ said Ms Van Den Heever.

Curro Brackenfell Primary School’s senior choir’s song choices were: Hear my song Lord a gospel song; and Shosholoza medley, an upbeat African working song.

According to Ms Van Den Heever it was important to choose age-appropriate songs that show off the different vocal abilities and range of the choirs.

Northern News has been tracking the progress and achievements of both the school’s junior and senior choirs who’ve taken part in the competition earlier this year (“Curro Brackenfell’s junior choir clinch second place at national choir competition,” Northern News, May 19).

“Both the junior and senior choirs have grown tremendously, from 30 learners to over 156 learners singing their hearts out at weekly rehearsals, 58 in the junior choir, and 98 in the senior. Both choirs are no strangers to winning big either, having been awarded a top three spot in the competition every year since 2019,” Ms Van Den Heever said.

When Northern News enquired about the junior choir's practice routines leading up to the final round, Ms Van Den Heever said: “Our choirs only practice two times per week for 45 minutes. No extra practices were arranged, due to a very full school term (school concert, eisteddfod, music concert, sports practices and academics).

“Among our challenges were keeping the learners motivated and excited leading up to the final round. Never underestimate the value of inspiring learners to believe in themselves – this was invaluable in making the choir a success.“

For Ms Hoffman the logistics of travel and accommodation was quite a conundrum.

“The travel arrangements were quite challenging, because we were a big group that had to travel to Pretoria – 130 learners, 12 teachers and 85 parents travelled together.”

Izak Nagel, executive head at the school, said he is immensely proud of all their choir members.

“This is a huge achievement for us all. Our learners really enjoy all things music, with about 200 studying it in class. The opportunity to participate in a national championship not only provides an opportunity to enjoy healthy competition, but it also develops their confidence and passion outside of the school curriculum which is invaluable”.