The champs are here!

THEY have done it once again! The marching band of Empangeni High School (EHS) walked away as the winners of the 2014 SA Champs during the weekend.

Proud parents gathered at the school on Sunday evening to welcome the crowned winners who have claimed the coveted title for the fifth consecutive time.

The event held in Pretoria, saw EHS score the highest rank in percussion, senior drum line and neatest band among several other categories.

Band members in matric this year who joined the band in their first year of high school back in 2010 have claimed victory every year and lower grades intend to keep up the achievement.

‘The kids were incredible! They sparkled on the day and the crowd was in awe,’ said an emotional and excited band coach Rene Pretorius.

‘Drum line coach Daniel Swanepoel was so excited when EHS was announced as the winners he actually ran up onto the stage from the audience and grabbed the trophy! It was so funny,’ she said.

When the band won in the neatness category, Grade 11 band member Nomdumiso Tango exclaimed, ‘Thanks for nagging me to clean my instrument eight times, Mam.’

During their stay, the band experienced a 24-hour power outage which left them in absolute darkness, allowing the band to have a candlelight bonding session.

The great feat not only leans on talent but great passion and dedication. ‘The band practices every morning from Monday to Friday, every Tuesday evening and alternate Saturdays,’ said Pretorius.

SA Champs 2015 will be hosted in Cape Town and the school is in need of sponsorship.

‘Next Friday (17 October) we will host a community picnic concert at the school to raise funds for next years trip,’ Pretorius said.

Tickets will be on sale at R10 per person, all are invited to attend and bring your own picnic basket. A tuck shop will be available. The concert will begin at 6.30pm.

For more information please contact EHS Public Relations Officer Julie da Silva on 035 7726749.