Hoërskool Kempton Park learner Jordon Phillips will represent SA at the World Championship Performing Arts in California, USA, from June 24 to July 10.
“I am overwhelmed and honoured to be chosen to participate in this world championships,” said Phillips.
“I entered various genres with my guitar in the South Africa Performing Arts competition, namely contemporary, classical, variety, original, jazz, and open, and have been chosen to go and participate in the world championships.”
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The 17-year-old said he would participate in the instrumental part of the competition, playing the electric guitar.
According to Jordon’s mother, Betty de Vries, her son developed his passion for playing instruments from age seven and then started attending guitar lessons.
“Jordon has been interested in the guitar and music from a young age. He had his first toy guitar at age one-and-a-half.
“He always liked all instruments and would sit for hours and hours playing the guitar. When he was in Grade One, he started attending guitar lessons,” said De Vries.
She said supporting your child’s dreams and hobbies is crucial to giving them the freedom to find their path to a fulfilling and happy life.
“I am very proud of Jordon’s accomplishments. I am impressed with the effort, hard work and dedication he has put in.
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“I have told him that, for him, the sky is the limit,” added De Vries.
Jordon likes all genres of music, and his favourite is metal.
Playing the guitar is his passion, and Jordon aims to keep going and improving his skills.
“I have lessons with a talented guitarist and singer, The Laundry Room music producer Johan Heyns, once a week, and also get lessons from the world-famous blues guitarist Dan Patlansky,” said Phillips.
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“I practice on my own every day of the week,” he added.
He said his favourite guitarist is American Synyster Gates because he loves his music and technique.
Jordons is in matric and plans to enrol at the Campus of the Performing Arts.
He is interested in doing eco-ranging and studying music production.
