Riebeek College Girls’ High School has been selected to perform at the ATKV Applous (Afrikaans Language and Culture Association) choir competition for the fifth consecutive year, after receiving a gold certificate at the Regional ATKV competition held recently at Andrew Rabie High School.
This year, 292 choirs entered nationwide and only 37 were chosen to advance to the finals, which will be held in Pretoria between July 29 and August 2.
Riebeek College, being the only competing girls’ school in the Eastern Cape, is raising funds to assist its choir team to go to the finals, with a goal to raise R300 000 for all 53 learners.
The ATKV Applous competition is a national choir competition that attracts choirs from all across South Africa and Namibia.
Sharing with UD Express, the choir conductor, Ethan Van Sensie said, “This year’s choir journey started a bit later than normal. Up to this point, we have taken part in quite a few performances at school and surrounding schools, one of the highlights being the ATKV Applous Regional competition.”
He added that it is always tough for the choir at the beginning of the year as they do not know who will be joining the choir, or the type of voices they will get, because they need the specific repertoire for their voices.
“The girls as well as me are extremely proud of our performances and we are so eager to be invited to the finals in Pretoria this year.
“With underprivileged learners, you can see their eagerness and desire to go to the finals after the hard work and long hours they put into the competition. They all pulled their weight in such a manner that one could notice the time put into this goal,” he said.
Van Sensie added that the ATKV competition is one that qualifies participants to take part in international competitions as this is the largest school choir contest in South Africa.
“This opportunity is a gateway for us to be able to participate in international school choir contests, as you need national recognition within your country to be able to perform internationally, which we believe is a possible achievement.”
So far, the school has been having cake sales, boerewors roll/roti sales, and civvies days in an effort to raise funds for the choir girls, but as of last week, they initiated a “Back a Buddy” campaign, a website for community members to make donations remotely.
“With the second term being so short and filled with academic hurdles, it is not possible to host scholar choir shows to raise funds as academics are the priority, so this is why we decided to raise the funds this way, as we have two months to raise R300 000.”
Van Sensie also added that any help from individuals or organisations would be greatly appreciated, regardless of the size of contribution.
“One can even help by sponsoring one child’s funds as that would be such a great help, especially to the learner that receives the support.”
• For more information on how to assist, contact the school at info@riebeekcollege.co.za, or donate on the Back a Buddy website.
