La Rochelle Yearbook 2023

Societies

Also in September, Con Spirito performed for the residents of Huis Vergenoegd, an initiative taken by Mr Schickerling in order to gain more experience in front of an audience and to prepare for competitions. We left the old age home with smiles on our faces and the satisfaction of having touched many hearts. In July, we submitted a recording of our repertoire for the Stellenbosch University Ensemble Competition . Our audition was successful and we immediately commenced with preparations for the final round of the competition scheduled for September in the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch. Con Spirito retained their title of Category Winners by once again achieving first place in the section for large classical ensembles, and winning a cash prize of R6000, as well as silver medals. To end the extremely busy Con Spirito season on a high note, we performed our entire repertoire at the Culture Festival in October. We also performed at the Sport and Culture Prize-Giving in October. As representatives of our school, Con Spirito showed immense tenacity, commitment and passion for the music we created this year, and paid homage to acapella ensemble singing and what it represents. We formed a strong, close-knit sisterhood in which we shared the love we have for singing and storytelling. It was an honour to be part of such a prestigious and talented group of young women and I shall cherish the contribution made by each member. I am excited to see all that Con Spirito becomes and achieves in the years to come.

CON SPIRITO La Rochelle’s chamber choir with Mr Johannes Schickerling as conductor, (Ms Madri Gerber will be taking over in 2024) consisted of 14 senior choir members. Rehearsals were held on Wednesday afternoons and workshops were conducted throughout the year. Our first performance of the year was in April at the All Girls ’ Festival in Bloemfontein. Although this was not a competition, it served as an opportunity to gain exposure, prepare ourselves for the upcoming competitions and showcase our talents and passion. We participated in many different workshops from Drama, to Improvisation, to African music and movement, as well as taking part in a busking performance. At the end of the Festival, we performed an African Medley with all the other choirs. Many new friendships and memories were made and the overall experience is something we will always treasure. At the end of August we participated in the Paarl Valley Eisteddfod at Courtrai Primary, where we delivered a performance of our newer pieces for the first time. We were awarded Gold Plus. We also performed at the Jack Meyer Art Centre Fashion Show , where we mesmerised the audience with our high-energy, fun-filled and entertaining performance! At the beginning of September we took part in the Allegretto auditions and performed at Brackenfell High School, where we were awarded a whopping 99%! We were invited to attend the Culture Gala in Still Bay during October.

106 LAR

Jessica Eckhardt

Chairlady

Con Spirito Voor: Nalene Visser, Jorja Kock, Kelsey van Sitters, mej. Madri Gerber (Koördineerder), Tarah Waries, Inge Heynes, Asenokhanyo Xegwana Agter: Allison van Wyk, Jenna van Wyk, Gabrielle Witbooi, Erin Meyer, Gadijah Abrahams, Eva Smit, Jessica Eckhardt, Madison Harris

La Rochelle Hoër Meisieskool | Girls’ High School