Standing with their hands at their sides, bright yellow ties framing their faces, Benoni Junior School’s choir bursts into song.

Rhythmically swaying to the notes from the accompanying piano, the group of 48 Grade Three vocalists clicks in unison, belting out the words of Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata.

With excitement in their pitch-perfect voices, the learners are ecstatically celebrating their overall win at the Benoni Eisteddfod for the third consecutive year.

“Compared to other schools participating in the junior choir division, we are relatively small,” said choir master Karen Swanepoel.

“But these little ones did not let that dampen their spirit. They sang with gusto, winning the hearts of the judges and subsequently claiming top honours.”

She said that the top junior school choir trophy will be displayed at the school for a twelfth year, but due to the suspension of gatherings during the Covid-19 lockdown period, their winning streak was reset.

“As a junior school that caters for learners from grades R to three, we start with a new choir every year,” said Swanepoel.

“Thankfully, we are blessed with talented singers who shine once given the opportunity to perform.”

Holding their hands high, patiently waiting to share their experience, the learners say that being a choir member is probably the coolest thing at their school.

“I love it when we have to sing high notes and then low,” said one of the spritely youngsters.

“I like that everybody looks at us when we perform; I feel very important,” chimed another.

Whether their motivation lay in broadening their range or being the centre of attention, the songbirds all agree that their love for singing keeps their school’s name firmly etched onto the trophy.

“I am exceptionally proud of our learners as well as the tutelage that Karen Swanepoel and Jacqui Havemann offer,” said principal Pranisha Mansingh.

“More importantly, I have to commend the choir members for their dedication. At their age, it is not easy to sacrifice things such as recess for rehearsals, yet they did so without hesitation or gripe.”

She also extended her appreciation to the parents for their support throughout the eisteddfod season.

“Without their support, our children are unable to realise their dreams. The kids beamed, not only for being able to step onto the stage but also for seeing their parents cheering them on.”

Victory is sweet, and even more so when local business sprinkles it with sugar.
In celebration of the school’s latest accolade, Falls Super Spar ensured that every choir member received a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and a slice of cake, while their dedicated educators were showered with flowers.

VOX: What do you like about being part of your school’s choir?

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