AMY-MAE CAMPBELL
Edu-Cantare, the Groenkloof choir of the University of Pretoria, has been invited to perform at a conference in America next year.
Edu-Cantare has been in existence for a number of years but was only registered as an official UP choir in 2010. The choir has recently been invited to attend the National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music conference in Birmingham, Alabama, from 13 to 18 March 2013. The choir will not only be performing at the conference during their visit, but will also participate in musical workshops and lectures.
According to the choir manager Ms Linette van der Merwe, the Faculty of Education on Groenkloof campus aims to use this choir to develop the musical talents of future music teachers. She said that they are trying to achieve this by allowing choir members to assist the conductor, Dr Riekie van Aswegen, in conducting certain songs as part of their practical training.
“Edu-Cantare realises the valuable role of teaching in South Africa,” explained Van der Merwe and added that the main purpose of the choir is to produce cultural leaders and skilled musicians while promoting choir music and cultural diversity in South Africa.
Choir auditions are currently underway and anyone interested in auditioning can send their name, student number and voice type (soprano, alto, tenor or bass) to: linette.vandermerwe@up.ac.za before, or on Friday 3 August.
Auditions will take place on Groenkloof campus in the venue: D107 (the first level above the Groenkloof Auditorium) on 3, 6 and 7 August between 09:00 and 14:00.
