Classical music delights young learners at local school

The sounds of classical music filled the air at St Ives Primary School (SPS) in Klipspuit West when the Pro Artes Populi Symphony (PAPS) Concert drew learners, teachers and community members for a musical experience.

On October 11, reanowned conductor Richard Cock led an interactive workshop, introducing 12 primary schools – Boekenhout Primary, Cavendish Primary, Eldocrest Primary, Feed my Lambs Primary, Firethon Primary, Goudpark Primary, Heerengracht Primary, Milnerton Primary, Nancefield Primary, the hosts St Ives Primary and Eldorado Park Primary School – choir members to the world of classical music.

Cock’s workshop guided learners through the sections of the orchestra, including strings (violins, cellos, double basses), the piano, woodwind (flutes, clarinets), brass (trumpets, trombones) and percussion (drums and xylophones).

ALSO READ: Trayce paves his way up in entertainment industry

The learners’ curiosity and enthusiasm grew when discovering the sounds and roles of each instrument.

The chairperson of PAPS, Rukshana Adams, said they celebrate 30 years of PAPS in Eldorado Park. She said the concert had taken place for the past 25 years, whereby Cock reaches out to the community to spend the day with the symphony orchestra at the school.

“He introduces the learners to different instruments that are part of the orchestra and the sound, and sometimes he also encourages them to peruse music,” said Adams.

She said this event allowed the learners to showcase their talents.

“As teachers, we must develop a child holistically, so it is not all about school work. A child might not be good at school but can be good at sports and arts. We try to get children to develop and work on their talent and skills.”

Adams encouraged parents to support and invest in their children’s skills, saying their organisation could assist.

She said it has produced learners who went to compete on a provincial level because there were opportunities to expose their potential.

The SPS school governing body chairperson, Heather Bissen, said extracurricular activities like these are invaluable because they foster creativity and confidence and drive academic excellence. Learners strive to excel academically, eager to represent their school and make their parents proud. She said this event showcased the power of collaboration and community engagement.

“This incredible event brought our community together, uniting families and providing a platform for our talented learners to shine. For some parents, it was a breathtaking revelation to discover their child’s hidden talents.”

ALSO READ: Modern entertainment areas for the whole family

Grade Four teacher and SPS choir leader Susan Simons said she was proud to see the learners shine at the PAPS concert.

She noted that the event inspired some to pursue music as a career, with some wanting to become talented singers and instrumentalists.

“Our school proactively nurtures learners’ artistic talents, and we are grateful for the PSP’s support.

“Their partnership enables us to take our children beyond the school level, exposing them to exceptional opportunities and guidance.” The concert performers were the symphony orchestra and the Eldorado Park Primary Schools Combined Choir, the Springs Boys’ Choir and artists from Eldos and Willow Crescent Secondary.