13 July update: Folklore competition and awards for "Religions"

The long awaited day finally dawned, the day of the Folklore Competition.  We had breakfast at 8am and left for a quick sound check at the Aranoff Centre, followed by two hours of “down time”, before heading off for lunch and then back on to the Aranoff Centre for our performance.
 

The boys made a large circle around the room and joined arms, while Chef spoke to them – He praised the boys and thanked them for their commitment and hard work especially whilst on tour.  Jono Deighton spoke to the boys in a quiet manner, building them up and focussing them on the performance ahead.  Sam Shabangu and Ndabenhle Shazi both gave short, quiet but inspirational speeches to the boys followed by a prayer.  They went to the stage in order to perform only to hear it being announced from the stage that there would now be a 40 minute break!  Talk about an anti-climax!

The boys sat quietly and remained focussed for the extra 40 minutes before taking the stage.  The applause started even as the boys placed their musical instruments on the stage.  The performance was characterised by an explosion of energy and pace, strong movement and animated faces.  The boys received a standing ovation after their gumboot dance which lasted for a significant time.  The boys continued their programme and were rewarded with a spontaneous standing ovation, cheers and shouts of approval.  It was an emotional experience to see the boys put so much energy into their performance. 

Upon leaving the stage they were so hyped up that they sang outside on the street, did a Kearsney war cry and lifted Chef up on their shoulders before disappearing in an instant for their first real free time in three weeks. (even though it was only an hour and a half).

Supper, then on to the prize giving for the categories completed by Thursday.  The food has been more than adequate and has been plentiful.

The prize giving was a loud and energetic affair with 7 categories being announced, including Music of the Religions.  The wait for your name to be called is agonising, not wanting to hear your name.  The boys were delighted to hear that they had reached Gold Medals and our name had not yet been called.  All too soon our name was called , Kearsney College South Africa, 82.83 percent.  Bernard and the boys were very pleased that they had improved upon their Religious Category score which was 78 percent in 2010.  Kearsney also achieved a 5th place with Tygerberg in 2nd place and Stellenberg in Championship position.

The boys were very gracious and generous in their support of other choirs at the Awards Ceremony, clapping enthusiastically and chanting “Stellies, Stellies” when they were announced winners in the Music of the Religions today.  They sang the National Anthem with gusto and celebrated with the girls after the ceremony in the square nearby our hotel.