Three local boys have had the privilege of attending the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School for the past year, and their hard work is really paying off.
Two of the boys, Stefan Pretorius and André Coetzee, were attending Laerskool Unika when the choir performed at their school.
After the performance, the boys were allowed to audition and were invited to the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School for more auditions that included music and academic assessments.
Aidan Mc Arthur’s story is slightly different. He and his family attended a Drakensberg Boys Choir performance in November last year.
Aidan had won two tickets to watch the concert and was introduced to the head conductor, Bernard Kruger who invited him to the school for auditions and assessments after he had listened to his singing.
Aiden was accepted soon after his return to Johannesburg, where all the preparations were made for his exciting new venture.
The three boys also needed to undergo what is known as ‘concert status’ which is a process of having to pass 30 tests, ranging from practical learning, music theory and sight singing tests.
In one of the final two tests, they needed to sight-sing various pieces of music and learn six songs, one of which would be chosen as their final audition piece.
The audition was then performed in front of the entire choir and faculty.
The choir voted for the boys who they believed were ready to join them.
Most new boys end up performing a couple of times before they are finally accepted.
After passing their tests and being accepted, a ceremony was performed where the boys were presented with their choir uniform, and a jabot (ornamental frill on the front of a shirt) was placed around the boys’ necks by their mentors who had worked with them throughout the year.
Andre, Stefan and Aidan are enjoying their time at Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School and are looking forward to performing in the school’s upcoming Noel Tour.
Kerry Mc Arthur, Aiden’s mother said, “It’s been an absolute pleasure. It has been a hard year with him being so far away but we are exceptionally proud of what he has achieved.
“I cry every time I see him on stage.”
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