03 Oct 2013

The name Andante Chorus could still be new in the local choral and classical music circles.

And can easily be forgotten in preference for the likes of tried and tested choirs such as KTM Choir or Maikano Seranaders. Nevertheless, the Ramotswa-based choir is destined for greater things, having achieved a fate that some choirs died before achieving in its first three months.

After being established in March 2012, Andante went on to win the 2012 President’s Day choral music competition category. It also scooping position two at the 2012 Old Mutual National Choir Festival North West Regional Competitions held in Matlosane, South Africa.

“We are now regulars in the aforementioned competitions and still reign within the top three choirs year on year” said the choir chairperson, Mr Lefoko Moagi, in an interview.

With such accolades, Andante Chorus is not an average novice of about 80 members in love with their singing but can surge the heart tempo of any opponent. While such huge membership could be difficult to maintain and fine tune, these has not been the case for the choir whose members ranges from 18 to 50 years old. And according to Moagi, Andante’s secret to success is based on unrelenting discipline in everything they do.

“We believe that excellence is not an act but a habit and hence what we repeatedly do, guides our focus and direction to deliver,” he added. He said the discipline is underpinned on time consciousness, mutual respect between chorister and leadership and undivided attention during choir training.

“These seemingly little traits have seen a rapid appreciation of musical acumen by even the newest of members who necessarily did not have a musical appreciation before,” he added. The choir which has Moagi and Lekgotla Dingalo as its key founders was formed through bringing together former members of Dinare Choir, singers from local churches and other Ramotswa descendants from other choirs. This has helped to refine the choir sounds as well as positioning it as a community project.

Apart from its newness, the choir has already had a great impact on individual members, with one of its bass singers, Gaolefufa Kombani, having snatched the first prize at the recent Classical soloists’ competition at Maitisong, and won himself a P50 000 scholarship to study music in South Africa. Through these, the choir is achieving its other mandate of empowering the youth.

“This is a sure way of assisting in the youth empowerment schemes of finding meaningful employment through their vocations,” he said. Other choir members are often called for paid invitations to grace various events, which gets them focused on community building and away from social ills that would otherwise be wasting their time. On stage, Andante Chorus’ appeal power get listeners hooked.

Whether without instruments, microphones nor speakers, the choir offers smoothing yet intriguing sounds.

“Our motto says we are inspired by excellence,” said Moagi, before adding that Andante Chorus will forever cherish a positive outlook. ENDS