Parents support learners as Bands Challenge each other

Parents arrived by the masses in support of their children, who were here to challenge each other at the SASBA National Band Competition 2018, In Pretoria at the weekend.

The Children who were members of various bands gathered at Hoërskool. Oos-Moot for the competition which included schools such as Hoërskool Waterkloof, Hoërskool. Oos-Moot, Hoërskool. Empangeni all the way from KwaZulu  and the other 15 schools and bands.

The Competition kicked-off with drumlines and marching bands, Ensembles, Symphonic Orchestras and Marimba bands.

Parents sat through a thrilling musical experience from learners to see which band was the best of the best.

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Kiioni Small (7) who is the youngest at the competition representing oos-moot band said he was not nervous to perform as he had calmed himself down with a cup of coffee earlier.

Band conductor for Hoërskool. Waterkloof, Cornwall Hill College and Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, Eddie Clayton said the competition if well managed had a positive influence on the young musical masters.

Clayton said “I am not a great fan of negative competition, where one is always trying to break the other down.

He said SABA was at least pushing the musicians in the right direction and creating a healthy environment for them.

Clayton said the initiative was of great importance, but wanted more bands across South Africa to come forward and showcase their skills, so they could learn from one another as the competition had too few members.

He said more learners who wanted to join bands should go to their local schools and communities and ask if they knew any musical bands to join.

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Empangeni high school band member Jason Swan said the competition was an enormous event for musical students.

He said: “If they won it would be an ego boost”, as they were looking to just have fun in the competition.

Swan added that winning the competition would help their school a lot. 

“This competition would put the spotlight on us and hopefully get us sponsorships as we were in need.”

Swan said playing in a band was expensive because a lot of money was needed just for equipment.

He said maybe winning could assist them in bettering their performances.