Carpe Musicam

Meet Our Members

Cherith Bain-van Vuuren

Iain Ross

Kevi Levin

David Oliver

Armand Vermaak

Christo Becker

Reana Snyman

Sanri Oosthuizen

Helga Stassen

John Richards

Ferdinand Engel

Zoé Coetzer

Leandri Crouse

Rene Steenkamp

Ronel Grobler

Caleb Dickson

Gerhard Roos

Marie Jean Kotze

Daniel Pienaar

Monika Wirz

Selma Jackson JvRensburg

Mariaan Basson

Louise Taljaard

Lasya Botes

John Richards

Bass Guitarist

Does a bass guitar belong in an orchestra? We vote YES!!! 🙌🏼 CM!O’s bassist John Richard’s tells his story as follows:

“After attending numerous rock concerts at the age of 14, I was mesmerised by the way the electric bass got the floor to vibrate. In 1969, I started a schoolboy rock ’n roll band and learned basic music theory and to read music under the tutorship of banjo player, Charlie McCrow. Unfortunately, this was too tedious for a 15-year-old rock ‘n roller and, as there was not much published music of what we liked, it was down to playing by ear.

After my mandatory stint in the army, I continued playing in bands, doing all sorts of dance and pop music for small clubs, parties, weddings etc.

In 1976, I met a guitarist and drummer who were writing their own music and we formed the 3-piece progressive rock band, Scarlet ’O Hara. We played the club circuit for three years in the Jo’burg area, and some highlights were playing the opening act for the Film Trust Arena’s Inaugural Concert, top of the bill for the Wits Rand Daily Mail Concert, and recording of two singles (seven single vinyl). Scarlet ’O Hara split when two members emigrated to the UK and I gave up music a year later, having become frustrated with the industry.

We moved to George in 1992 and joined the Arts Theatre, operating lights and sound for a variety of productions. After seeing a Shadows tribute show at the theatre, the thrill of my instrument hit me again and in 2013, I bought a bass and started playing again. I gigged with fellow theatre members and later joined the 50-Plus Music Club.

In 2018, after a 50-Plus concert, Norman invited me to join the orchestra. I agreed, only to quickly discover that I was waaay out of my depth. But, thanks to ongoing lessons with Elsabe and her guidance and encouragement, I am now thoroughly enjoying the discipline of playing and reading music again!”

Iain Ross

Percussionist

From sea captain ⛴️ to percussionist 🪘, there is no end to this musician’s talents! I share with you Iain Ross’ musical journey:.

“I was born in London in 1950. The Piano was the first instrument that I learned to play, while I was still at school in England.
I have been playing percussion instruments with CM!O since 2018, including Tambourine, Triangle, Timpani, Sleigh Bells, Cymbals, Bass Drum, Congas, Shakers, Wood Blocks, Whistle and some other ones, for different sound effects, ie Slapstick, Coconut Shells and Sandpaper noises!

Armand loves music and, except for the cello and contrabass, also plays the bass guitar and ukulele when he has time.

I started taking piano lessons at the age of 9 or 10 and completed a few exams to reach ABRSM Grade V Piano in 1962. Due to moving around to different places in the UĶ, I didn’t have any more piano lessons until many years later.
I recently took piano lessons with Ann Carroll (who also plays in the CM! Orchestra) from 2018 to 2020.

Music has always played a big part in my family life. My mother was an accomplished pianist, as was her father, who was also an organist at St.Marys Redcliff Cathedral, in Bristol, in the UK.
My father’s family lived in a small fishing village in the North of Scotland, and I remember folks playing bagpipes, accordions and fiddles; my Scottish grandmother often sang folk songs to me, in Gaelic, when we visited their small cottage during holidays.

I left school in 1968 and spent all of my working years in various seagoing capacities and finally retired in 2016. Life at sea in those days was long before the Internet was available, so music was one of our main forms of relaxation.

In 1991, Pam and I got married. Pam had learned to play violin when she was at school in Somerset, UK. We had both been married before, Pam for 18 years and myself for 12 years. During her first marriage, Pam was not permitted to play the violin, as her first husband didn’t like the sound of the instrument.

I supported Pam to rekindle her interest in playing the violin and she then passed her ABRSM Grade VIII Violin exam in 2018. Pam joined the CM!O soon after this.

Later, Elsabe and Norman invited me to come and play some percussion instruments with the Orchestra at the concerts if I would like to. I said “Yes”, I would love to!

I am very grateful to Elsabe and Norman for giving me the opportunity to become a member of CM! To be part of the Percussion Department, with three very talented ladies, Esmé, Lasya and Ronel (who also sing in the CM! Choir) means a lot to me.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Elsabe, Norman, Kevi and other CM! members for all their musical help from time to time. There are so many talented musicians in the CM! Orchestra and Choir. I feel both honoured and privileged to be a member of the CM! Family. Music brings people together and it’s so much fun!

Armand Vermaak

Cellist / Double Bassist

One of our youngest members, and also the smallest who happens to be playing the biggest instrument, 13 – almost 14 – year old, is Armand Vermaak.

After his first Christmas concert with CM!O (during which he played the recorder), Armand told his mother that he wanted to learn to play the cello. One of our orchestra cellists, Rona, lent him one, and the following year he started taking lessons with Elria. He is still currently taking lessons, and is almost finished with his grade 4. Armand has been playing cello for around 3 years now.

Armand loves music and, except for the cello and contrabass, also plays the bass guitar and ukulele when he has time.

Dandré, Armand’s older brother, played the contrabass in the orchestra until just before our Christmas series last year, after which Armand took over from him. Contrabass is what he would actually like to pursue, but because he enjoys the cello so much, and there is no one in the area who can give him contrabass lessons, he is continuing with cello lessons for the meantime. He enjoys the music and playing in the orchestra so much! His mother, Hannah – who also plays in the orchestra – often says “If there was a CM!O for me when I was younger, I would never have stopped playing!”

We are so privileged to have this platform where even young children can participate, learning the art of ensemble playing, experiencing the comradery of playing with a mixed group of musicians, and being under the leadership of incredible musicians and teachers such as Norman and Elsabe, who consider each individual person and their musical abilities when planning and orchestrating the music pieces that we play.

Armand continues to play an integral role in this group we call our musical family, and we look forward to being part of his ongoing musical journey!

Zoé Coetzer

Principal Cellist

“I started playing the cello when I was nine years old. My mom wanted me to play an instrument, though I can’t remember why I chose the cello. I remember loving the sound, and since my sister was playing the violin, I wanted to play something different.

I took lessons with a wonderful teacher at the Musicon in Bloemfontein for a few years. I lost my father at the age of twelve, and just lost the ‘joy’ of playing after that. My mom wouldn’t allow me to stop playing though, but eventually she gave in, and I stopped playing in 1998 at the age of fourteen. (Which I regret to this day)

Fast forward to 2018: I have always loved music and Disney. So when the FS Symphony Orchestra was performing ‘A Night With Disney’, I went to see them play and it took my breath away. I sat on the edge of my seat all night, but when they ended the night with Pirates of the Caribbean, something awakened inside me and I knew that I had to play the cello again. And somewhere down the line, I dreamed of performing it in an orchestra myself.

I went back to the Musicon in 2019 and took lessons for about a year before Covid struck. At that stage I was renting a cello, so unfortunately I had to return it. I didn’t get to play for a while after that.

In January 2022, I moved to George, and my husband bought me my very first cello. In October 2023, I was having coffee with friends and someone asked me what my dream was. As a housewife who has never studied, and who has been a wife and mom for the last 12 years, the only thing that popped out of my mouth was ‘I play the cello and I love music’.

Long story short, another friend at the table mentioned that she knew of an orchestra in George and she’d send me the contact information – would I be interested? In that moment fear set in: thinking I’m not good enough, there’s no way they’d want me as a member. I procrastinated for a month, but finally decided to contact Elsabé.

From the get-go, she was so friendly and welcoming. I was so nervous to go to my first rehearsal, but Norman, Elsabé and all the members made it feel like home. CM! has changed my very small world into something even more beautiful and fulfilling!

Playing the cello, creating music, is my way of expressing my love for a God who has been with me through the toughest times in my life. And getting to do this with a group of amazing musicians, is a dream come true!”

David Oliver

Violinist

“It was in my matric year that my maternal grandmother presented me with an old violin which belonged to my late grandfather, a fiddler himself. It had been in storage in a shed in her backyard ever since his passing 16 years prior. My interest was piqued, so I took it to a luthier for much needed repairs.

The local New Apostolic Church (NAC), where I was a member, had a small ensemble; the leader, himself a violinist, became my first violin teacher, and after eight months of tuition with him I went to another violin teacher in a neighboring NAC Congregation for further lessons.

Four years into my lessons I enrolled as a part-time student at UCT College of Music where Dr Virgillo Gerizim was my lecturer, and under his tuition I successfully completed the grade five Royal School of Music Exams.

As time elapsed, I joined a chamber orchestra as a violinist under the baton of Max Peyer, who was also a successful luthier. After two years he asked me to play the viola instead, as a violist was needed in the orchestra. It was thus as a viola player that I concluded my stint in the orchestra.

It was in around 1976 that I was presented with the violin which is currently my prized instrument. A gentleman who came across my path where I was employed at the time heard from a colleague that I played the violin. He presented me with two violins that he had, requesting that I choose one. The violin I chose he had purchased in 1917 as a second-hand violin. I am forever grateful to him for his kindness!

During the years that followed I continued my violin studies under Dr Herman Ruiz, a Chilean violinist who played in the Cape Town City Orchestra.

As a part-time B. ADMIN degree student at UWC, I joined the university orchestra as a violist. During this period I completed my Grade Six UNISA practical music exams under the tutorship of Mr Hadley Duminy, himself the concertmaster of the university orchestra. During 1990, the orchestra accompanied the Calvin Protestant Church Choir in their celebratory rendition of a cantata in the City Hall of Cape Town, commemorating their 40th anniversary.

In the subsequent years I neglected serious on-going studies with experienced violin teachers, though I continued to play the violin in the church which I attended, and it was only after I retired from work in 2017 that I decided to focus seriously once again on formal violin tuition. I found a teacher, Mr Charles Anyster, with whom I studied until I relocated to George in 2018.

It was here in George, when attending a school concert during 2019, that I was able to hear Carpe Musicam! perform (up until that occasion I had no knowledge of the existence of the orchestra).

I felt very driven to approach its leader, Mr Norman Carless, with my request to join the orchestra! And the rest is history.

It is such a privilege and honour to be a member of the Carpe Musicam! family where I am currently one of the second violinists. I am currently also a student of the orchestra’s principal violinist, Cherith Bain.

I have so much appreciation for the untiring efforts of Elsabe and Norman who are the driving force behind this community orchestra. They create a space and an opportunity for each musician to thrive and develop and just enjoy making music with fellow musicians.”

Kevi Levin

Drummer

“I started playing the drums at the age of 4, as my mom was a top jazz musician and my folks owned the largest jazz club in the country. I was never actually taught, but had the privilege of being continually mentored by many of the top musicians who frequented the club. I tinkered on the piano and guitar, but drums were the instrument that chose me.

During high school I joined the cadet band, and won all the regional and provincial contests, before joining my first pipes and drums band. In National Service I was drafted into the band of the South African Medical Services Brass band, and later served with the Light Horse Regimental band. After army service, I played semi professionally on 3 nights of the week at various clubs in Jhb, whereafter I gave up playing the drumkit and focussed on pipe band drumming.

I played for many different pipe bands through the years and was fortunate to win a number of S.A. drumcorps titles, to train a number of young drummers who went on to the highest local and international standards, to run the drum corps of the pipe bands at the Durban Tattoo for many years and to compete internationally at a number of overseas contests, as well as 3 times at the World Pipe Band Championships. I also had the privilege of getting mentored and assistance from a number of World champion drummers at various points in this journey.

The highlight of my overseas trips was a Military Tattoo in Red Square, Moscow, where as part of a Commonwealth contingent, we were the first foreign troops to ever march through the gates of the Kremlin.

In 2017 I was asked by a piper to do a few numbers with a local orchestra, which I agreed to. Norman called me to discuss, and asked if I could play the kit as well? My response was that I hadn’t played kit for 35 years, and that I didn’t have a kit. Unfazed, he called me the next day to tell me the orchestra had bought a kit, and I was thus recruited into the ranks of CM!O!

Getting back into playing was easier than I thought, due to the absolute acceptance and kindness of Norman, Elsabe and all the musicians at the time, and I have never looked back. It has been my musical home since then, and I have been privileged to be part of the growth of this incredible organisation. The orchestra is a delightful place for musicians of any calibre to live out your musical ambitions in a relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere, and watching the growth in size and quality has been a wonderful experience.”

We are all so grateful to have the skill and musicianship that Kevi brings to keeping us all in time! As Norman often reminds us, “Kevi is not just a drummer, Kevi is an amazing musician who happens to play the drums!” And boy, does he play them well!!

Lasya Botes

percussion

“Music is the gift that keeps on giving, and sharing it, is my passion.

I remember my first music lesson. Tannie Marietjie Oosthuizen taught me the lines and spaces on the Yamaha organ in our house. I was around 6 years old. That same year, 1981 in Sub A at Cornelia Primary School, she also accompanied my first public solo, a farewell song, as we had to relocate to Standerton where my life in music would really begin.

Standerton High School had a fantastic extra-curricular music centre and my mom insisted that I should take up piano lessons. Apparently, people thought that I was musical. I just liked to sing and make up songs and conduct along with my dad’s Strauss collections he used to put on the turntable.

I started piano lessons when I was 8 years old. I loved music theory and percussion groups and was afforded the opportunity to excel in my Unisa exams from a very young age. With much effort (and a lot of prayer), I finished high school with music as a subject, and enrolled at the Teacher’s College in Pretoria. My teaching diploma consisted of every and all music subjects available. I loved studying music in all its diversity and took part in every cultural activity from informal to singing in the Ambassador’s Choir.

I finished my diploma by the end of 1996, and was involved in choirs, percussion groups, vocal ensembles and drumming groups for over two decades, at many schools.

The foundation I have received through piano tuition has given me the ability to explore other instruments such as guitar, ukulele, marimba, glockenspiel, accordion, melodica, recorder, pan flute and xylophone. I can also play the flute, as I was expected to play a second instrument during my studies to become a teacher. I acquired Unisa Grade 6 in just four years from the first time I blew on a flute.

I am very blessed to have my Accreditation to teach Western music (piano) up to Grade 8. I also completed my B. Mus. Honours (Ed) (Cum Laude) at the University of Pretoria in 2012 with specialization in Special Needs.

I have had the privilege to work with so many children during my teaching career. I have conducted many choirs, Orff and marimba groups, drumming groups, vocal ensembles, and have coached many a child to perform. One of the most humbling experiences was the Special Needs drumming group from Felicitas school, who won their division in the Alberton Eisteddfod with a score of 100% (2010). This achievement proved that children with severe mental disabilities were also able to excel like their peers in mainstream schools.

Music is what I do. I wake up every day to teach it. I am a music teacher in every fibre of my being. I moved down to the Garden Route during 2017 and started my own music school in 2018. Roots4Rhythm is currently in its 7th year and still growing. I learn something new every day. I teach neuro-typical, as well as neuro-diverse children. As I love Down Syndrome children so much, I have been involved with drum therapy at the Up with Downs school for 6 years and teach music stimulation at other special needs cottage schools in George.

I attended a CM! concert at the beginning of 2022 and then joined the choir. I loved being part of it. It was wonderful to be part of an adult group again.

But how did I land a spot in the CM! orchestra? Now that is a story about overcoming performance anxiety of 40 years. I will always remember how Norman stood next to one of my marimbas in my studio and asked me: “So, are you able to play these? Are you any good?” To which I replied: “Well, I teach it, so I guess I can help myself.”

He said: “Will you be able to play the skeletons from the Carnival of the Animals?”

I laughed and we both started singing the tune. I said: “I think so. I must just practice it a bit.”

He then said: “But you will need a chromatic xylophone. The ones you have are nice, but you need something special.”

I said: “Okay. I will think about it.”

A week later, my super chromatic xylophone was delivered and 3 days later the glockenspiel. I sent him a picture and it was time to be transformed by group music. Of course I didn’t only receive the Saint Saens, but LOTS of other sheet music I didn’t expect. Why? Because that is what Norman and Elsabe do. They expect a little more, so that you can perform better than what you expect from yourself.

I am humbled to play with such proficient musicians: a family of wonderful people, led by two very passionate, smart and dedicated professionals: Norman and Elsabe. CM! is a safe space where I can learn more about music and myself, make friends, belong and experience the wonderful world of orchestral music.”

Cherith Bain-van Vuuren

violinist and concertmaster

The beginning:

My first musical memory is of skipping around a lounge shaking a tambourine, singing nursery rhymes at a friendly lady’s home, together with a few other young children, feeling very happy. My Mom enrolled me in a little music group when I was about 4 years old, and I remember enjoying those classes very much.

One of my Mom’s best friends was a Music Teacher called Aunty Jessie, who lived a few houses down in our road. She invited me to join her Christmas productions; singing and playing various percussion instruments. Jessie’s daughters played the violin and cello and I enjoyed watching them play. I was six years old when I started violin lessons, going to the College of Music in Cape Town and learning the Suzuki Method together with a few other children.

My Mom encouraged me to practice every day. One day I had to miss watching a ‘Postman Pat’ episode so that I could get my practice in for the day. I was terribly upset about this but my Mom explained how important it was to practice. At 8 years old I started piano lessons and when I turned 13 I became one of the pianists for the choir at The Glen Methodist church, accompanying them for 7 years. My Mom (Carol) sang in the choir and I always loved listening to the sound of her voice.

Music was and is always a big part of my life. In Junior School I sang in the school choir and performed in assemblies whilst also helping out with the music for school plays. At 13 I joined the Northern Transvaal Youth Orchestra (under the baton of Hester Wohlitz). I really loved being a part of this Orchestra. My parents were always so supportive. They were actively involved, cooking food for the orchestra camps while Dad also served on the Orchestra Committee. I also have happy memories of attending the National Youth Orchestra Course a few times in my High School years, entering Eistedfodds and working my way up the graded exams for both violin and piano.

Developing my love for music:

After completing matric in Pretoria, I spent a year at St. Michael’s Collegiate in Hobart, Australia, on a Rotary Exchange Student Scholarship. There I was a part of the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra and had great fun making music with other students. I had violin lessons with Mr. Con Lavroff during this year. He was a brilliant concert violinist and a very encouraging teacher, however, lessons were not free… in exchange for lessons, I had to wait tables at his Thai restaurant. Every shift would equal a lesson. I tried to then help a few times a week so that I could get a lot of lessons! Con taught me how to sight-read and we would play chamber music a few times a week, together with other musicians. During the year, we worked through many of the Beethoven, Mozart and Hadyn trios and quartets. I am grateful to Con – he cemented my love for the violin as an instrument and my love for chamber music. Towards the end of my year in Tasmania, when he put a new piece of music in front of me, the more black notes I saw on the page the more excited I got. The whole process instilled a love for playing together with other musicians.

Teaching :

At 18, while in Tasmania, I started teaching violin for the first time. My first student was my next door neighbour, Ollie. He was a delighful boy and I loved teaching him. Since then, I have been fortunate to have worked in some great schools in the country, teaching violin and piano at Westerford High, St. Alban’s College, Beaulieu College, Cornwall Hill College, Kyalami Preparatory School and Reddam House Constantia, sharing my love of music with others.

Getting the qualifications:

On returning to South Africa, I enrolled at Pretoria University and completed my Bachelor of Music Degree with Professor Alan Solomon. During the B. Mus Degree I took piano lessons with Wessel van Wyk (piano was my second instrument). I was a part of the Tukkies University Orchestra as well as the Arts Nova Consort (Choir and string ensemble) with Lance Phillip. We performed 14th and 15th century and Baroque music.

After completing my B.Mus, I enrolled with UNISA to do my Teacher’s Licentiate for violin. A few years later I also did my Performer’s Licentiate through UNISA, while taking lessons with Quentin Crida in Cape Town.

Then Prof Jack de Wet (aged 88) agreed to teach me. I completed my LTCL Trinity degree with Professor Jack de Wet in Cape Town. I was very fortunate to be one of his last students. I learned so much from him and he totally changed my technique and helped me improve my quality of sound. He said that “One has to have strong fingers to play well”, and that technique was everything! It was as if I had to re-learn playing the violin…

Giving back:

In Cape town I played in Dr. Steven van der Merwe’s orchestra, performing in the southern suburbs. With Bill Robson (a baroque harpsichord maker) and his baroque ensemble groups we performed in Noordhoek. During my years in Cape Town, I enjoyed being involved in a few productions/plays at the Masque Theatre. Being involved in Church music has always been a very big part of my life, and I was one of the pianists at the Fish Hoek Methodist Church for 10 years where I started a Concert series at the church called ‘Classics @ 3’. Together with other lovely Capetonian musicians we presented quite a few concerts, where money was raised for various charities. During the same time, at St. Peter’s Church (now called Grace Church in Noordhoek), we did a few fundraising concerts for their iThemba School. My husband asked us to go to Common Ground church and there I played the violin and keyboard on several Sundays.

Moving to the Garden Route….

When I told one of my music friends in Cape Town that we are moving to the ”platteland”, her reaction was, “But where will you play????”. Little did she know about the next and most wonderful time I would have right here in the Garden Route – I am so enjoying being a part of Carpe Musicam Orchestra and serving in our Church’s worship team as a pianist (Sedgefield Christian Church). I also teach privately from my home, currently having 17 Students. I love teaching students of all ages.

I remember shortly after moving here from Cape town, I attended one of the Carpe Musicam concerts. The concert was great and when I got home, I said to my husband Louis that I would like to be a part of this group of musicians. The next week I joined at the next rehearsal and have never looked back. It is so amazing to have such a big group of great musicians who are part of this orchestra right here in our Garden Route.

I am very appreciative to be a part of Carpe Musicam, and so grateful to Norman for writing such beautiful arrangements. Carpe Musiciam is like a second family!

If I were to share some advice, it would be to never give up, and to believe in yourself – the more you play the more experienced you become, and the stonger you are (physically) the better you are able to play. It is a journey to become a good musician, it does not happen overnight and definitely not instantly – it takes hours and hours of practicing and persevering, but it is so worth it!

In closing…

One of Prof De Wet’s favourite sayings was: “To practice less than one and a half hours a day is poor show”.

Christo Becker

French Horn

“Art or Music?

This was the subject choice we had at the start of standard 6 (grade 8). I can’t draw, so I chose music. The school did an aural (listening) test, to be sure potential students weren’t tone deaf and could keep a basic rhythm. Then a quick interview with the Masters and Ma’am to discuss instrument and dedication (aka willingness to practice).

They asked me what instrument I wished to play.

And I answered, “French Horn.”

“Why the French Horn?”

“I like the sound.”

I didn’t have a clue what I was talking about – I didn’t even know what the instrument looked like. But I kept up the charade. My mother looked at me quizzically. She tells the story that when I was very young the PACT orchestra principal was our neighbour, so maybe I remember the sound from him.

In 1991 I started on trumpet, as there were no horns available.

In 1992, we hired a horn from ProArte.

I finished Matric with music as a subject, playing the French Horn. I did all the youth orchestras, Northern Transvaal, TED and Nationals were to come later (1997).

Being eligible for varsity, I went to study a BA (Music) at Tukkies. I completed Royal Schools Grade 7 and 8 in 2000. On completion of the BA, I continued my studies in education (HED) and did an Honours in Curriculum Design. All the while playing in orchestras. The highlight was playing with Eric Rycroft at Tukkies, 2003 and 2004. After my studies, music took a back seat – if you aren’t in a structured environment, it’s hard to maintain quality and the need to practice.

14 years of silence, 14 years of pain (Guns and Roses )

In 2017, I moved to the Garden Route. I met a guy named Chris Woodcock at a business marketing event, and we started talking. A couple of weeks later I took my Horn along to a meeting to demonstrate the need for oiling your instrument, similarly to how your body also needs healthy oils.

Chris laughed at me asking, “So you can play horn?”

I downplayed as I hadn’t played properly since 2004.

“Ah, rubbish, you own a horn, you must be able to play, phone Norman and Elsabe. Join the orchestra. They’ll sort you out.” Chris Woodcock 2018.

Thank you Chris. A structured musical environment.

And so, back in a structured musical environment, I could play again. For 3 hours every week I get to be part of something else, something truly magical. Thank you Carpe Musicam!!

Gratitude and Love. Christo Becker ”

Helga Stassen

cellist

“I’m Helga, a novice cellist. I’m not sure how long I’ve been playing actually. It started in 1999, the year after I graduated as an architect at the University of Pretoria. After many years of drooling to play and never having had enough time during my studies, I decided that I will not leave this planet without learning to play. For six months I had lessons with a wonderful Bulgarian cellist, Katia Popova, and then life took me to Edinburgh in Scotland.

I slogged the cello with but just tinkered on my own. I did however join the Music Society there and sang in the University Choir where great fun was had by all singing Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius!

What happened between 2001 and 2021 is a bit of a whirlwind blur and it sadly did not include much cello playing. It did include some travelling over the years and my love of music drove me to make some pilgrimages to the north to see, among other things, Sir Neville Mariner in Prague, see an open air performance of Aida in the Arena in Verona, see Bizet’s Carmen in Paris, see Onegin in the Bolshoi in Moscow and even experience Yoyo Ma playing all 6 Bach Cello Suites in one go in Vienna in 2019. My listening quota was very much fulfilled, but my music-making quota was still left unfulfilled.

That all changed when I arranged a little surprise music concert for my mom’s 70th with Cherith, Elsabe, Norman and Ronell. Cherith is my dearest neighbour and convinced me to play Happy Birthday with the kids for my mom. I nervously dusted off the cello and magically found a few notes. Cherith then went further and convinced me to join the orchestra! I had a real sense of “this is now or never” with my wooden friend and so here I am, beyond grateful to have been able to step into this musical paradise where I can play and learn to play at the same time!

So as a last note, my sentence now reads – I will not leave this planet without learning to play beautifully!”

Reana Snyman

Saxophonist

“My journey with music started the day I was born, I think. It has kind of always been there. I think my small little tape-player turned on by itself when I walked into my room. As I grew, my music collection grew and grew, later including the classics, opera, pop, rock and everything in between.

Naturally I found my way to the recorder and primary school music rooms, driving my brother and sister insane with my practicing. In high school I took music as a subject in grade 8 and 9, completing my UNISA Grade 3 exams, but after a move to a very small town in the middle of the Northern Cape I had to give up lessons. But the rhythm within never really stopped.

In 2017 we relocated to George and within a year I found my way to the Carpe Musicam! Choir, and the comradery that only music can bring was back in my life. Six months in I had a conversation with Elsabe and asked what the chances are of learning the clarinet, as it was an instrument that had always resonated with me. “Have you ever thought of playing the saxophone?” came the side response from Norman.

Well, two days later I found myself in a music store, bought a saxophone and drove to Norman and Elsabe’s home…. I opened the case in their dining room, giddy with excitement as the shiny instrument lay on the table. “So… Norman, how do I put this thing together….and how do I play this??”

And with that my first rehearsal was the following Monday, not yet able to play a single note on a saxophone. The rest, as they say, is history – thanks to the help of Youtube, Norman and everyone in the orchestra.

I often joke and say the saxophone was my midlife crisis… but my midlife crisis turned out to be an amazing journey as part of an amazing orchestral section (Love you saxy friends! And our honorary sax – the horn player!) and an awesome orchestra!

At the beginning of this year my daughter joined the choir, now making my CM! experience a family affair.

Carpe Musicam! became my second family and a place where I could give my soul to the universe, wings to my mind, a place I could free my imagination – and a place where lasting friendships are forged!”

Sanri Oosthuizen

principal flautist

I loved teaching and giving my students a voice through flute playing in a variety of ways and settings. Once I rewrote the Wedding March for only flutes and we performed it at a garden wedding. The kids loved it!

Coming to George in 2017 introduced me to this lovely orchestra; Carpe Musicam! Informal, yet challenging; structured, yet relaxed – “making” music instead of just reproducing.

My happy place found a home.

Is that not what music is all about – letting all the wonderful tunes be heard!!

I loved teaching and giving my students a voice through flute playing in a variety of ways and settings. Once I rewrote the Wedding March for only flutes and we performed it at a garden wedding. The kids loved it!

Coming to George in 2017 introduced me to this lovely orchestra; Carpe Musicam! Informal, yet challenging; structured, yet relaxed – “making” music instead of just reproducing.

My happy place found a home.

Is that not what music is all about – letting all the wonderful tunes be heard!!

Ferdinand Engel

trumpeter

I, Ferdinand Walter George Engel, was born and raised in the Cape, discovering my love for music in the church. The Moravian Church is rich in music and well known for its Brass bands established by the German Missionaries in South Africa.

Far from my Electrical Engineering background, applied in the Aviation Industry at George Airport, I wind down and find healing in my music.

My love for music and Brass in particular has afforded me the opportunity to travel Europe in search of my heritage and perform at several of our affiliated congregations abroad. A highlight was the 2016 Dresden Evangelish-Lutherishe Landedskirche Brass Festival which saw 17 500 brass players taking part.

Performing to me is such an expressive experience when we as musicians get to bring the tiny black notes on white sheets of paper to life. Being able to tame the power of sound to move the audience is my pleasure.

Having relocated to George in 2019 I needed to find a new musical home to express myself and live my passion. Having heard of an Orchestra in George called Carpe Musicam!, I was compelled to find out more. First a Choir member and then a Cello player encouraged me to come and see what the orchestra had to offer. Having found out when and where practices were held, I arrived one evening in May 2023 with trumpet in hand. Elsabe walked up and asked who I was and what was in the bag. I answered, “A trumpet” and was warmly welcomed, as the seat in the brass section had just become available.

I am so happy to have found my musical home at CM! and enjoy each musical session with this amazing group of musicians!”

Here pictured at my first concert.

Selma Jackson JvRensburg

trumpeter / percussionist

Carpe Musicam!

For me, music forms a part of every breath and heartbeat, gifted to me by our Loving Father to serve and bring happiness to others.

I was born in the early 60’s in Morgenster, a small mission station in Rhodesia. My grandfather, Jackson, and my great grandfather before him, were both ministers there. There was always music and singing inside and outside the house. My father is still playing the harmonica at 87.

I was intrigued by the rhythm and harmonies of the Shona people, singing in Church as well as while they were working. My mother said that before I could even walk, I would move to the rhythm of any sound (even to the beat of the lady washing the dishes).

Many times I was pinched black and blue in Church, because I heard music all the time and couldn’t help but move to it.

We moved to SA in the late 60’s. I attended Primary school and High school in Pretoria. My grandmother bought us a piano in the early 70’s and my siblings and I played piano and recorder, while my youngest sister played the violin.

Every year from Gr 1 until matric, I took part in competitions – solo vocals, instrumental and vocal ensembles, and choir. I was also part of the church choir as well as the musical accompaniment for the church’s youth.

.

I took music as a subject in High school. I played the piano and my first instrument was Alto recorder (Unisa gr VII). I always wanted to play every instrument 😉 and bought my own guitar in std 9.

The North Transvaal Youth Choir was started in 1978 and I participated in this from 1978 until Matric. In Jan 1981 I came to the SAAWCol (South Africa Army Women’s College) SALVKol in George, for voluntary national service. What an unbelievable year – unbelievable and amazing!

The first marching band was also established that Jan 1981, and I obviously I joined the band, where the Oudtshoorn officers came to teach us.

I played 1st trumpet! And at the end of my basic training I got the trophy for the best trumpet player. However, because I didn’t have my own trumpet, I didn’t get to play again…..

I studied at NKP in Pta to become a Junior Primary school teacher and music was one of my subjects. I sang and played guitar at all the hostel res dinners and concerts. For the concerts, I wrote some of the songs, and even played drums one year.

I started teaching 38 years ago and was always teaching and playing music and writing school operettas, as well as being involved in the choirs, singing- and instrumental ensembles, Eisteddfods, and marimbas.

I started playing violin at the age of 45 and played in an ensemble, as well as playing in 2 church congregations.

Then the best time ever! I moved to George in March 2015, and in April 2015 I met the two most wonderful and talented people, Norman and Elsabe, at the Moedergemeente. They were in charge of the communal singing and music. I then played the violin some Sundays.

During that time the Carpe Musicam! Orchestra started. I have been part of this

wonderful family ever since, playing the violin at first. In 2020, I told Norman I had a dream of playing the trumpet again. He lent me his trumpet until I bought my own one. Never say never again… nê!

I am also proud to have a family of children and grandchildren who also play and teach music, as well as coach choirs!

I can’t imagine a Monday being without the Carpe Musicam! family, surrounded and part of all the wonderful music!

Friedrich Nietzsche said: God has given us music so that, above all, it can lead us upwards.” 🎶

Sue Fawcett

cellist

I grew up with classical music played in the home, but my musical journey began as I was preparing for A-levels, aged 16. I had always sung in the choir at school and in the village Anglican church, where I was introduced to Gregorian chant. Most of my musical influence came from a newly appointed music teacher at Grammar School, a subject not offered previously. She was a pianist and cellist, was selling her cello and I decided I had to buy it (£5 pounds!) and learn to play, which I did and joined the newly formed school orchestra. I was the only cellist and the first piece we played was Handel’s Water Music.

When I went to college I decided to study music as my second subject which I enjoyed, but found the theory challenging as I had never done it before. I graduated in 1971, and went on to teach general subjects and music in primary schools. Lunchbreaks were the time spent rehearsing with orchestra, choir, recorder ensemble and percussion groups. We also had a brass ensemble which wasn’t surprising as Yorkshire is home to the Brass Band.

Whilst at college I was introduced to traditional English folk music and sang in some of the local folk clubs. On returning to Yorkshire I joined a group of singers and we performed folk music all over the North of England. This was when I learnt to play guitar and purchased the plucked and bowed psalteries.

In 1977 we emigrated to SA and I became involved in the folk music scene and joined a group of Morris dancers and learnt to play the accordion. Many of the instruments I had collected I played at Cèiledhs as well as playing for the country dancing.

When the children were small, the nursery school asked me to put on a music show which I then developed for 3-6 year olds, a lively and interactive presentation demonstrating 12 instruments and teaching basic musicality. My first performance was the most terrifying with 100 eager faces looking up at me with great expectation. This developed over time into age appropriate presentations of musical instruments for Gr000 – Gr7, a dance workshop and a Shakespeare/Renaissance presentation for High schools introducing pupils to the life and times of Shakespeare and Elizabethan England through the instruments and music of the time. I also dressed up in an Elizabethan costume – the corset made playing and singing very challenging!

I added more early instruments to my collection and learnt to play the crumhorn, cornamuse and hurdy gurdy, and also added the bass and garklein to my recorder collection, now totalling 6 instruments. In order to demonstrate what the early instruments sounded like played together, I made a backing CD and a full CD of the above instruments, plus voice and a 3 part 16th Century Madrigal.

I worked in Gauteng schools and beyond for almost 25 years, retiring to Sedgefield in 2011. There I met Pammy, who encouraged me to come to a Carpe Musicam! performance in the cathedral and introduced me to Norman, who invited me to attend the next rehearsal which was when Richard played bagpipes in Pirates of the Caribbean. I felt completely out of my depth as I had not played the cello seriously for over 40 years!

I am grateful that Carpe Musicam! has given me a home to develop my music and to hone my skills on the cello, for giving me the opportunity to play some of my greater instrument collection, and to be a part of a wonderful group of like-minded musicians. Thank you Carpe Musicam!

Leandri Crouse

Flautist/Piccolo

Ever since I can remember, I have been surrounded by music – in church, the chamber choir in which my mom sang and where I went along to the rehearsals, and even as a little ballerina who wanted to become a ballet teacher one day!

I started with piano lessons at a very young age, and flute came along when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I even took harp lessons! But all the instruments became too much and I had to let go of the harp.

At the age of 17, I completed my Gr. 8 piano exam, and I completed both Gr. 8 flute and Gr. 8 music theory in matric.
I proceeded to study BCom Accounting at Tuks and sang in the Tuks Camerata and Chamber Singers choir under Dr. Michael Barrett, as well as Akustika under Christo Burger.

Then came COVID!

I moved to Mossel Bay with my parents and younger brother in March 2021. Soon after, my mother and I became part of CM!, my mother in the choir and I on flute, and as they say, “the rest is history”. A few months in, I also picked up the piccolo, and learned and played the concert in a matter of a few weeks. And now it’s my favourite (little) instrument!
I still keep my piano going in church where I lead our music and hymns.

CM! is a very big part of our lives and we hope that we can be a part of it for many years to come. Thanks to Elsabé and Norman for creating the opportunity for us to touch peoples’ lives (and our own) and make the most beautiful music together!

Rene Steenkamp

Trombone

Music is my passion!

I attended Durbanville High School. I’d never had the privilege of any music lessons before high school. In Grade 8, they called the kids to the Hall who were interested in playing in the orchestra. So I went…

I had the chance to blow on everything. There was however only one instrument that I managed to produce a sound on. That was the French Horn. I learned to play and joined the school’s Wind Orchestra. In Grade 11 I played my Unisa Grade 6 exam, then in Matric I had the opportunity to play with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

After working on cruise ships, I bought a Bass Guitar, a Banjo, and a Guitar. And later a Concertina! I learned to play all those. I joined an all-girl band in Cape Town – “Die Kaapse Affodille Boere-orkes”. We performed in Germany and on Japanese Cruise ships, and most importantly, we had fun!

After moving to George in 2010 I often performed with singers, playing bass guitar and banjo. The concertina is very popular at church bizarres and dances.

I started taking my daughter, Mia, to Norman for clarinet lessons. They often asked if I wouldn’t join to play French Horn in the CM! orchestra, but I did not have a French Horn anymore. One day Elsabe asked if I would like to play the trombone – they had one available and no one was playing it. I said yes! I taught myself to play – 8 weeks before my first concert! And I love it! What a wonderful group of people in CM! And what a joy playing together with my daughter in the orchestra as well!

Ronel Grobler

“Kitchen Lady” – ie. Percussion

I was born in Pretoria and my parents moved to Brackenfell. I was a very very busy little girl. The one that always jumped up and down, singing, doing art, never a dull moment.
I started with recorder lessons in Gr1 and piano later in Gr3. In Gr7 we moved to Standerton, where in high school I took piano as a subject right through to matric, when I did my Gr7 Unisa exams. Together with piano, I never stopped singing – I was also part of the Highveld Kids Choir in Ermelo.

After school I played piano in the church band and then got married and moved to Pretoria. I offered a program for children called Kiddie Beat (similar to Kindermuzik) at a few Creches.
Then the music stopped for many years, until Rene Steenkamp invited me to a CM! concert. And the rest is history!

I joined the CM! choir in 2022, and in 2023 I joined our wonderful orchestra’s kitchen! Together with Iain we share the Timpani and the rest of the “kitchen utensils”. It’s such a privilege to just shake the bells or play the triangle! I love noise and Carpe Musicam! makes a beautiful noise!”

Caleb Dickson

euphoniumist, euphonist, euphophonist or simply a euphonium player

I was born in Pretoria and my parents moved to Brackenfell. I was a very very busy little girl. The one that always jumped up and down, singing, doing art, never a dull moment.
I started with recorder lessons in Gr1 and piano later in Gr3. In Gr7 we moved to Standerton, where in high school I took piano as a subject right through to matric, when I did my Gr7 Unisa exams. Together with piano, I never stopped singing – I was also part of the Highveld Kids Choir in Ermelo.

After school I played piano in the church band and then got married and moved to Pretoria. I offered a program for children called Kiddie Beat (similar to Kindermuzik) at a few Creches.
Then the music stopped for many years, until Rene Steenkamp invited me to a CM! concert. And the rest is history!

In Grade 4, I really wanted to quit music – I no longer enjoyed the pieces I was being given to play, and juggling catching up on academic classes I missed because of music was a challenge. But my mom said I had to carry on until the end of grade 7. She felt if I stuck it out until then, I would at least have enough foundation to be able to pick it up again at a later stage if I wanted to. She told me that so many people reach adulthood wishing they could play an instrument, and she wanted me to have the basics if I chose to pursue it again later. I did also do very well in music, averaging around 90% for both theory and practical exams, so she wanted me to make the most of my potential.

I had long awaited the day when Grade 7 would end and then it finally arrived – I was so excited to start my high school career with music no longer a part of my life!😂

So as high school started, I chose art and drama as my creative arts subject combo – anything to avoid music! But complications arose and I needed help from my old best friend – music 🎶 ! I found my way back to it – but I now also believe that music found its way back to me.

I am now taking music at school again, and enjoying it. At the end of Grade 7 I was asked if I would like to try play Euphonium (I had no idea what that even was, and when I found out, said I had no interest in playing a wind instrument – little did I know!) and to join the Pops band (known as the youth orchestra at the time). I think maybe my mom just colluded with Elsabe to make sure I didn’t quit music completely!

Soon after I was also invited to join the main CM! orchestra. I have loved it ever since – the family of musos always gets me through the week and I love every moment of it!!

This all gave me a new-found love for music again, the joy of learning a new instrument, without the rigidity of boring music pieces I didn’t enjoy. So where I thought I was quitting music at the end of Grade 7, I am now about to play and write my Grade 5 Unisa Euphonium exam. So who knows what the future may hold?

Monika Wirz

Violinist

Not only do our members vary vastly in age, but also in geographical backgrounds! Monika Wirz from Germany tells a very exciting story around her journey to CM!O violinist:

“My Journey To Playing The Violin

My love for playing music started at the age of 5 when my mother decided that a musical education in addition to Kindergarden would be good. There was a rhythmic group, which I then joined for playing Orff instruments. I really loved this clapping and singing and feeling how different rhythms can come together.

After a year, just before getting to school, I was asked which instrument I would like to play. It wasn’t a question for me at all, because I already had the violin in mind. Maybe it was because of listening to a famous violin player in those days on TV. My mother didn’t play any instrument and she had no experience with music, but she loved listening to it and always went to the opera in Cologne regularly.

Later, when I was a school kid, she bought an abonnement for my sister, her and me for the opera. Every time we listened to this wonderful music of Mozart, Verdi, Puccini and other amazing musicians, I was captivated by the special atmosphere.

Unfortunately my dream of playing the violin didn’t come true in those times. The music teacher of this rhythmic group advised me to learn to play a recorder first, because it would be too early to learn the violin. Stubborn as I was at the age of 6, I refused to play a recorder instead of a violin. “Violin, nothing else!“, was my answer.

So I didn’t have any special musical education besides the scheduled subject at school. I however continued to enjoy my time at the opera with my mother even more!

When I changed from Primary school to the Gymnasium, I made friends with a girl who was good at playing the recorder and she invited me join her lessons. I then became a little curious about this instrument. I was 11 years old when I received a recorder for Christmas and soon I started more or less learning this instrument autodidactically. I loved playing together with my friend and I started joining the Orff-group at the Gymnasium in Leverkusen. With this little scholar orchestra I was selected for a trip to the Twin town of Leverkusen, Bracknell, and played a Christmas concert over there at a College. During this Christmas trip I became really good friends with a classmate, who played a solo part with her violin so brilliantly. My dream of playing the violin got very strong again at that moment and after returning to Germany I annoyed my mum constantly to start playing the violin. Finally she gave in and when I was nearly 13 I started taking violin lessons at the Municipal music school with a hired 3/4 violin. Later I got my best Christmas gift ever: my first own violin, which my mum bought from a violin maker in Mittenwald/Bavaria during our ski holidays over there.

I started to participate in the strings group in my school orchestra, which traditionally had concerts with a youth choir from my hometown. Later I also played in a youth orchestra in Leichlingen for some years, where we had many concerts with a fantastic madrigal choir. The performance of “Messiah“ from Händel when I was a teenager was one of the greatest moments for me. With this orchestra, I travelled to Great Britain and to France to play in concerts and I loved these very concentrated practising times.

In 1981, after my Abitur, I was inspired to start studying music as a subject for Secondary School in Cologne at the Faculty of Education. It was my wish to become a teacher. But with only 5 years of violin lessons I wasn’t advanced enough to meet the requirements. I was very frustrated, but decided to keep on playing the violin as a hobby. I passed my first (1986) and second exam (1989) as a Secondary teacher for German and Biology. Teaching German as a foreign language for a long time to young children, I always clapped rhythms with them and sang little songs, because kids can learn a new language very easily by using music. So I was happy to be able to integrate a little bit of music in my lessons.

I still wanted to improve my violin playing though. In 1987 I got a great opportunity: I was invited to participate in an orchestra in Langenfeld (“Concerto Langenfeld“), where I later lived with my husband and our children. With this great Symphonic orchestra I played in lots and lots of fantastic classical concerts and Jazz concerts with some amazing soloists. This was my “Orchestra Family“ for 33 years. It was always fascinating to adapt to the changing, very talented conductors (11 in total), who mostly came from master classes of the “Robert Schumann University“ in Düsseldorf.

In 2020 my husband and I bought our house in Wilderness and decided to move to South Africa. My biggest concern was whether I would still be able to play the violin in a group. So I surfed the internet and luckily I found my new Orchestra Family: Carpe Musicam! We arrived in South Africa on 27th of March 2021 and I got in contact with Norman in June. By October of the same year I found myself being part of 3 wonderful concerts – “Hello Spring“. Not only had a new life in South Africa started, but also a new musical challenge had opened a door for me here! A fantastic encore is having violin lessons with our brilliant soloist Cherith Bain! Her teaching is so uplifting and she helps so much at improving my skills!

I’m so proud to be able to say that my dream of playing the violin came true!”

Marie Jean Kotze

violinist

I returned to SA and went to the University of the O F S to study B A Music. I was lucky to have the pedagogue Professor Jack de Wet as my teacher. After the completion of this degree I obtained a Higher Diploma in Education at OFS as well as my Teachers Licentiate in Violin from UNISA.

I moved to Welkom and taught English and Music at many schools. I then played my piano Gr7 exam. I was later appointed as string instructor at the FS Musicon in Bloemfontein, and then started a satellite string program in Welkom in 1985. I also became a member of the FS Symphony orchestra. I coordinated an outreach string program to the townships, as well as starting marimba bands. In 1994 I received the Achievement Recognition award from the OFS Department of Education Music for development at Aurora Primary school, especially with their Brass Band and starting a string program in the Goldfields.

Many of my students have won bursaries to study abroad, and made music their careers.

.

Teaching is in my blood and it gives me great gratification to see how a child grows to love music and feel the sense of achievement. We never know the impact we have on a young person, in the way we encourage and challenge them. Teaching music is such a humbling position to be in.

I also played provincial squash, and I have represented SA in the World Masters Tournament in Australia and SA. I still play golf. I am told that these diverse interests do not seem to fit a musician!!

We moved to George 4 years ago and I joined this great musical family. There are amazing people in this group and it is a privilege to be part of it. I love George and can again enjoy music and nature. It seems I have played the violin for 68 years and taught for 56. I guess it is time to quit, but CM! will keep me practising.

Thank you Norman and Elsabe!

Gerhard Roos

clarinetist

I started showing an interest in music from a young age, probably from about eight or nine years old. I began with playing the recorder when I was in primary school, taking recorder lessons and taking part in some eisteddfods. I quite liked the sound of the clarinet, and when I was about twelve or thirteen years old I got my first clarinet. Luckily I found that there were some similarities between the clarinet and the recorder.

My journey with the clarinet continues until this day. It took a long time for me to learn all the different keys, and learning to read music was also not an easy thing for me to do. Today the clarinet is the only instrument that I play. When I was in matric I played my grade 8 exam, and at Stellenbosch university I took clarinet lessons from the music department as a sideline from my other studies. I ended up doing an ATCL with Trinity.

I joined Carpe Musicam! about five years ago. I have played some chamber music before, but strangely enough Carpe Musicam! is the first orchestra that I ever really played in. It took me quite a few months with CM! to get used to playing in an orchestra, but now I really enjoy it. I have found that playing in an orchestra really improves one’s sight reading abilities and helps you develop as a musician. I am really happy to be part of the orchestra and it is a place where I also made many friends.

Daniel Pienaar

trumpeter

One of our youngest musicians started with us at the young age of 11, and has continued to excel in developing his skill. Herewith Daniel Pienaar’s musical story:

“Music runs in my family. Both my grandmothers play the piano and organ, with one also being a piano teacher. My great-grandfather led a band playing the cornet. Initially I was attracted to drums, but after considering piano, recorder and saxophone I settled on the trumpet.

My sister, Lisa, started with piano lessons when we still lived in Pietermaritzburg, but I only dabbled with the keyboard on my own. We moved to George in July 2021 and I started music lessons with Elsabe and Norman, late January 2022. After two months of lessons, I joined the group that later became the CM! Youth Orchestra, now known as CM! Pops Band. I played in my first concert as part of the Youth Orchestra in December 2022. I was 11 years old at the time and had been playing the trumpet for almost a year.

I started playing with the main CM! Orchestra in 2023 and I love playing with other musicians to make beautiful music together. It is wonderful to be part of creating something bigger than what you can do on your own!

I always liked the trumpet and really enjoyed starting lessons with Norman. I have learnt so much and look forward to learning even more!

Mariaan Basson

clarinetist

“My musical journey started the same as many others. In 1965 my mother bought an OTTO BACH piano for the “Voorhuis” . That makes me VERY OLD!😅🫣. When I was 5, my mother sent me to piano lessons. Every morning before school it was time for practising scales. Off to Afrikaanse Hoër skool in Kroonstad, I had the most wonderful music teacher. When I had to choose subjects she suggested I take music, and I completed my grade 8 on piano. I am still getting nightmares of the Aus Holberg’s Zeit by Grieg that I had to perform!

When I was in matric my teacher introduced me to the then Military band of the Correctional Services. I joined the band with my clarinet and enjoyed it a lot. I had clarinet lessons with the late Heinrich Armer, a wonderful clarinet player from the UFS. The band amalgamated in later years with the SA Army band.

After a while I decided to leave the small town for the big city lights and moved to Durban. Arriving there, I looked forward to the music concerts on a Thursday night at the Playhouse and Durban City Hall. The highlight of my military band years was the Durban Military Tattoo.

We started our own business and this left little time for hobbies. In 2010 we moved to the Garden Route, where my highlight again was the KKNK classical music festival in Oudtshoorn. I always wondered how I could get back into playing the clarinet.

During 2015, I attended a CM! concert in the St Mark’s cathedral but I thought this orchestra and choir was from Cape Town. I then met Ann Caroll on social media and she invited me to a concert at the Train museum in George.

I decided to take out my clarinet and had a weekly lesson with Ann on video call. I practiced every day. Elsabe contacted me and asked if I was ready to join the orchestra. I joined in and still enjoy every rehearsal and learning a lot about music and my instrument!

I am fortunate to also be part of the CM! TRIO and the CM! POPS BAND and that is a lot of fun! We also had a CM! quartet during 2023. Hope we can start this up again!

To be part of the CARPE MUSICAM! orchestra is a huge privilege. This is a new season in my life and I hope it lasts another 20 years. I also very much enjoy involvement in the marketing of the concerts.

Oh, I am also trying the Alto saxophone now! One note at a time. 🎶🎶😄

A big thank you to Norman and Elsabé for the opportunity to make music!🥰”

Louise Taljaard

contrabass

“Did you know that the largest fiddle in the world is 60 feet long and is situated in Nova Scotia, Canada?

I have always had a deep appreciation for string instruments and I currently play the contrabass (also known as double bass). I have been playing this instrument since I was 36 years old – so its been about 14 years now. The first time I fell in love with music was through my church. We had a number of church records (prior to the days of CD’s) and I loved listening to them for hours. The bass sound of our choirs and orchestra always intrigued me. I always watched bassists perform with deep intensity as it was my favourite instrument. At the age of 10, I received a little mini Casio keyboard as a gift from my father’s work and I realised that I could play by ear anything I put my mind to. After completing school, I bought myself a second-hand organ and taught myself how to play it (to the frustration of everyone at home).

Fast forward, I married my soulmate and we had our first daughter. Thereafter, we purchased this beautiful second-hand contrabass from our dearest friends, the Woodman family, whose son was an accomplished bassist for a number of years. I am deeply thankful to them to this day that I own this beautiful instrument. In 2010, I had another daughter and while on maternity leave, started taking formal theorical and practical music classes.

In 2012, I left the corporate world and focused on my family and of course, Mr Bass (its nickname). I intensely practiced about 15 hours a week and continued with music classes until mid Grade 3. I started a new business and this left no time to further my grades. But I continued to practice and regularly participated in small concerts and playing during church services, funerals and weddings.

My first, large participation in a formal concert hall was in the ZK Matthews Hall in Pretoria (2015) and it was truly an amazing experience to perform Grieg – “In the Hall of the Mountain King” as one of my favourites of the concert. Since then, the musical growth and performances continued.

When Covid struck in 2020, I was fortunate to participate in a number of quartets and ensembles for audio-visual church services via YouTube, which boosted my confidence in performing. In mid 2023, my husband and I started discussing the possibility of relocating from Gauteng to Mossel Bay. But the deciding factor would be if I could still be musically challenged in the Garden Route area.

One evening, I Googled and found Carpe Musicam! and my e-mail was responded to immediately by Elsabe! She invited us to a concert and when we eventually relocated in December 2023, we attended the Mossel Bay concert. The rest is history!

I am in deep awe of the talent, dedication and friendly, welcoming nature of the music group and I already have found an additional family here. I look forward to many years of musical growth with CM! and remain deeply humble to be a bassist, and for my family’s understanding of the love I have for this gracious gift from God to bring musical joy to others.”

Daniel Pienaar

trumpeter

One of our youngest musicians started with us at the young age of 11, and has continued to excel in developing his skill. Herewith Daniel Pienaar’s musical story:

“Music runs in my family. Both my grandmothers play the piano and organ, with one also being a piano teacher. My great-grandfather led a band playing the cornet. Initially I was attracted to drums, but after considering piano, recorder and saxophone I settled on the trumpet.

My sister, Lisa, started with piano lessons when we still lived in Pietermaritzburg, but I only dabbled with the keyboard on my own. We moved to George in July 2021 and I started music lessons with Elsabe and Norman, late January 2022. After two months of lessons, I joined the group that later became the CM! Youth Orchestra, now known as CM! Pops Band. I played in my first concert as part of the Youth Orchestra in December 2022. I was 11 years old at the time and had been playing the trumpet for almost a year.

I started playing with the main CM! Orchestra in 2023 and I love playing with other musicians to make beautiful music together. It is wonderful to be part of creating something bigger than what you can do on your own!

I always liked the trumpet and really enjoyed starting lessons with Norman. I have learnt so much and look forward to learning even more!