THE Empangeni High School (EHS) marching band has won the SA national band competition in Pretoria.
But the members never lifted their trophy in celebration at the event, having initially been told they had been placed second overall.
Belated celebrations only took place on Wednesday last week when a letter from the competition organisers arrived announcing there had been a flawed point tally, and that the EHS group were in fact winners.
Their musical presentation, knowledge of their instruments and finely choreographed dance moves, combined with outstanding discipline in marching, had indeed impressed the judges enough to earn them top place in the marching/show band category.
Band coach Renee Pretorius said the group were delighted with the corrected result.
‘We were disappointed on the day not to have won, but were proud to have been placed second nonetheless,’ she said.
‘The later announcement of our win was obviously very welcome, and the children were delighted.’
Community celebration
To thank the Zululand community for their ongoing support over the years, the band will present a picnic by starlight concert at the school grounds on Friday, 11 October.
Starting at 6pm, the event will see the EHS junior drum line, senior band, senior drum line and marching bands perform an hour-long programme at a cost of R10 per person.
‘Please join us for this special family evening,’ said Pretorius.
‘Bring along your picnic baskets and blankets and eat your dinner under the stars while we entertain you and give you the opportunity to watch our winning performance,’ she said.
