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!!

Cherith Bain-van Vuuren

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

“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 ”

Mia Steenkamp

clarinetists

“A musical journey… for sure!

It started with 6 year old me, daydreaming out of a class window, while listening to the sound of the older kids learning the national anthem.  “Again, from the top!” the teacher shouted.  The melody was being played over and over again, so much so that it stuck with me the whole day.  

As soon as I got home, I dropped my bag next to the couch and rushed to the piano.  I lifted the heavy lid and started messing around with the keys.  My mother came up to me and curiously asked, “What are you up to?”  Excitedly I replied, “Mum, look what I can do!”  And then I started playing the national anthem.

My love for music only grew after that.  My mother soon took me for piano lessons.  In grade 6, at Outeniqua Primary School, I started playing the marimbas.  It was my first time experiencing an ensemble atmosphere.  I was taught a bunch of rules – the need to listen to one another, carefully following your music, adapting, and so much more.  I enjoyed it so much!

It was at the end of grade six that I joined the Carpe Musicam! Youth Orchestra (now known as the CM! Pops band).  I played in the Christmas concert along with the Boutique Band and the CM! choir.  I met so many new people and made so many new friends. 

I went on with piano and clarinet lessons in grade 7, also competing in competitions all year round.  I also joined the senior choir at school, where I mostly played clarinet with them.  

I was then asked by Norman and Elsabe to join the CM! Orchestra, and then later continued playing concerts with the CM! Boutique Band as well.  

At the end of the year I was awarded the Dominique Faber trophy at school – a trophy given to the best musician in the primary school. 

I was then accepted into Outeniqua High School, where I joined their instrumental ensemble.  Later in the year I competed internationally with the ensemble, where we scored an average of 96%.  I also sing in the high school’s choir, and have done many concerts with them throughout the year. 

Through the years I have been blessed to inspire so many, and I hope to continue to do so in the future as well!

“Where words fail, music speaks” – Hans Christian Anderson 

I’m so thankful to be in this amazing family of musicians!  

Thank you all.  Mia Steenkamp”

Ané Prins

“From the very first second I entered this world in 2007, music has always been a great love and passion of mine.  As I was born into a musically talented family, it was inevitable that I would follow in their footsteps…

The first instrument I took on was the piano.  I started taking lessons at the age of 6 and continued for about 6 years.  My first piano teacher introduced me to the deep, dark and beautiful sound of the cello, as well as ultimately being the one who inspired me to pursue the cello.  When the opportunity to borrow one finally presented itself, I grabbed it and started cello lessons in 2018 at the age of 11.  A year into playing, my parents gifted me with a cello of my own, which is definitely one of the greatest and most significant things I have ever received.

Other than playing the cello and piano, I have also been teaching myself how to play the alto saxophone.  It’s actually quite a funny story how I first got into playing; I got the urge to learn a new instrument when I felt like I wasn’t progressing on the cello, and now my neighbours haven’t had a peaceful day for the best part of 18 months!  

I have also fiddled around with all kinds of instruments hidden around the house, like the guitar (acoustic and electric), the harmonica, the violin and the recorder. (And don’t forget the egg shaker…)

Moving on to how I became part of Carpe Musicam!… I remember hearing about the “George Symphony Orchestra” in my early years of primary school and wishing that I would be able to play with them one day, regardless of the fact that I could only play piano at the time.  Little did I know that a couple of years later, in 2019, I would be asked to join the orchestra as well as play my first concert with them within a few months of joining.  Ever since my very first rehearsal with Carpe Musicam! Orchestra, everything in relation to my musical skills and abilities have been pushed to the limits, which has helped me so much to grow, improve and develop into the student of music I am today.  On a weekly basis I have the privilege to play with an extraordinary group of individuals and I have to say, we always manage to make beautiful noise!  For the past 5 years, Carpe Musicam! has been playing a very significant role in my life and I am thankful for every single second of it.

As I said before, I have found my true passion; music. The idea of bringing life to a completely lifeless object and being able to share that with other people is what makes being a musician so special.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to pursue music but never said it out loud.  Since music is such a competitive industry with incredibly high standards, I knew it sounded unrealistic to say that I want to spend the rest of my life doing just that.  Which is why when someone asked what I want to be one day, I’d usually come up with an excuse, but internally I would scream as loudly as I possibly could that I want to become a musician.  

At the beginning of this year, I found inspiration – or maybe I should say that an inspiration found me – to take a leap of faith and start chasing my dreams to pursue music.  I then started giving my absolute everything to make this seemingly impossible dream of mine a reality.  In preparation for this, I have been giving cello lessons for the last year and I am working hard through blood, sweat and tears to finish my Grade 7 cello exam this year.  

I will be finishing my Cambridge A-levels as well as completing my Grade 8 cello exam in 2024 and after that I would like to study music and complete my Bachelor of Music Honours degree (BMus) at Stellenbosch University.  

However, that chapter of my life is yet to be written, so here is what I will leave you with: “Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.” – Yo-Yo Ma. 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with you.

Ané Prins”

Reana Snyman

“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

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!!