Silversands Primary School choir is ready to take the stage by storm on Thursday after their debut entry to the Artscape Schools’ Arts Festival, having secured a spot at the gala event.
The Blue Downs school, under the conductorship of Patrick Visser, made an impression and is ready to perform alongside the cream of the crop of Western Cape Schools.
Visser said he and a team of school staff revived the choir after the pandemic and in two years, having focused on honing their talents and performing at various events, the choir’s confidence inspired their entry into the festival.
“This was our first time participating in the festival. We received the circular invite which is sent to all schools, and because I knew the choir displayed the confidence and having focused on not just their singing but also their mental readiness, I knew it was time.
“In the lead-up to the festival, we had a sleepover at the school where we had to put in extra time and practise. They did magnificently. I always tell them ‘ons is nie bang nie’ (we aren’t scared) and before we went on stage at Artscape, we prepared them and our teachers played a vital role in that,” said Visser.
Selected items from schools were showcased from August 19 until 27 and culminated in the gala event taking place on Thursday.
Visser, who has conducted for many years, his talent being born in church, said the choir was ecstatic to hear the news that they were selected for the gala evening.
“Our parents, staff and learners are very proud,” said Visser.
Visser said they especially enjoyed performing the “Ry Hom” Afrikaans medley.
School principal Marshall Cupido was excited to support his pupils at the event.
“It is a team that has come on for the past two years and I’m happy and glad that our school will be noticed on this platform and the venture of Artscape. I see this as many to come and want to thank Visser and his team for diligently practising and making sure that we have reached this milestone for the school,” said Cupido.
Artscape director, Marlene le Roux, said the festival, in which 78 schools from seven districts participated this year, gave learners the opportunity to showcase their talent on a professional stage.
This year, about 2 000 pupils took part.
“Artscape believes that the arts enhances every learner’s ability to gain confidence, believe in themselves and meet other learners from different backgrounds and languages/cultural differences. It is a festival, not a competition, to give action to nation building and social cohesion in action. Everyone, through this festival, enjoys one another’s talents.
“We are so grateful to the Western Cape Education Department and the teachers who practise. The excitement is so huge. Silversands was outstanding,” said Le Roux.
For more information, visit https://www.artscape.co.za/event/schools-arts-festival-2024/
Cape Times