Westenburg’s music star
A Westenburg teenager, Abram Hamilton, is the first in his family and the first learner from Westenburg Secondary School to play the cello.
POLOKWANE – A Westenburg teenager, Abram Hamilton, is the first in his family and the first learner from Westenburg Secondary School to play the cello.
He is one of four learners from this school to play in the well-known Limpopo Youth Orchestra.
The 17-year-old joined the Limpopo Youth Orchestra in August 2010 after members from the orchestra approached the school with a proposal that they would like to teach children to read music and play instruments.
“Bettie Boom, our acting principal, was the teacher who arranged everything on our behalf.
“The people from the Limpopo Youth Orchestra told her that they wanted to help learners learn more about music and she gave us an opportunity.
“We were about 10 when we started, but at the end only four of us remained. We practise on weekends so that it does not interfere with our school work. Practise is on Fridays and Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00,” Hamilton said.
He said he never dreamt of playing in an orchestra.
He always watched musicians play on TV, but he never thought that it would be him one day.
“Now I know anything is possible if you make use of the opportunities that come your way. I have learned how to read music and I love playing the cello.
“At first I was afraid to play the instrument because I didn’t want to make a fool of myself by playing off key, but now it’s almost my cello and I are one. Every note I play is like a vibration through my body. Playing the cello relaxes my body, mind and makes me feel comfortable in any situation I am in,” Hamilton said.
Last year, Hamilton travelled to Ireland with the Limpopo Youth Orchestra.
“It was amazing and I still can’t believe I went overseas. I have learned so much and met so many people who inspired me to do better in music, because I also want to be an international musician.
“After matric, I want to study music and travel around the world,” he said.
According to Hamilton, the Limpopo Youth Orchestra will travel to Senegal this year and he is part of the group that is going.
“There is also talk that we might go to Canada next year. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and I will make the best of it. I would like to thank my parents for allowing me to experience this opportunity and for supporting me, and
“I would also like to thank Bettie Boom, who organised for the Limpopo Youth Orchestra to visit our school in 2010,” he said.
His future plans include learning to play other musical instruments.
