La Rochelle Yearbook 2024

VERENIGINGS

ORKES

L’ARMONIA As we close another remarkable year for our school orchestra, we pridefully reflect on our achievements. Over the past year, our orchestra has continued to shine, showing remarkable growth in both skill and performance. This year, we totalled 19 members, consisting of first, second and third violins, cellos, violas, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, glockenspiel, and percussion. We delivered outstanding performances at various events throughout the year. The most memorable was the ‘Kunstevenster’ festival, held on the 6th and 7th of August, where we contributed to the lively atmosphere and highlighted La Rochelle’s artists’ incredible talents. Another favourite was our very first performance of the lively ABBA medley – the orchestra’s project of the year – in May, met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. In February this year, the orchestra partook in an exciting camp and workshop, where, in addition to practising our newest pieces, the girls bonded and played together, making music and cherished memories. We also successfully displayed our new repertoire at the Open Day and Founding Day ceremonies, Mrs Conradie’s birthday celebrations, and later in the year, the Paarl Boys’ High Orchestra festival alongside other esteemed ensembles, as well as performing at the Alumnae Tea held on 14 September, showcasing our talent to the “Old Girls” of La Rochelle.

In July, our participation at the Paarl Valley Eisteddfod earned a Gold+, with commentary such as “an enjoyable performance with very good ensemble playing.” We were also awarded the prestigious first prize and announced as category winners for Best Ensemble, an emotional moment and a big milestone for the developing group! The orchestra led the school assembly throughout the year by placing the flags, school song, and National Anthem. Many early mornings and Wednesday ensemble practices contributed to our continued success and developing skills. A special note of thanks goes to our conductor and organiser, Mrs Inge Wittenberg, whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in guiding the orchestra through a successful year. Your leadership and passion have inspired our musicians and laid a solid foundation for future success. Also, a warm thank you to Ms Lize Hayman for your continued support on and off the stage and Mekayla Griffiths, our Deputy Chairlady and talented, dedicated percussionist. As we look ahead, we extend our best wishes to the new orchestra leaders. May you continue to build on your love for music and art, bringing fresh energy and vision to the ensemble. We are confident you will expand our repertoire further and lead the orchestra to even greater achievements in the coming year! Here is to another year of harmony and excellence! Elena Kritzinger – Chairlady

ORKES Voor: Nazli Hessi, Kendra van Rooi, Elena Kritzinger (Voorsitter), Mev. L Hayman (Koördineerder), Mekayla Griffiths (Ondervoorsitter), Hayley Hendricks, Nina Hartnick 2de ry: Emma Coetzee, Kara Martins, Amber Siebrits, Nina Voigt, Skylah Blankenberg, Fayth van der Merwe, Dané Meintjes, Ilze Munnik 3de ry: Lea Prinsloo, Monica Pieterse, Safiyyah Moerat, Zoey Coetzee, Maggie Kritzinger, Lila van der Merwe Afwesig: Mev. Inge Wittenberg (Orkesleier)

Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle | Girls’ High School | 105