Four Grey boys were selected to be part of the prestigious Free State Youth Orchestra this year!
They are percussionist Alexander Rossouw and second violinist Daniel Ejims in Grade 9, Mikael von Eschwege (principal second violinist) and Joubert Potgieter on cello, both in Grade 11.
Alexander Rossouw is the newest member and only received the news of his inclusion in the orchestra recently.He began piano at age six, followed by drum lessons at ten.Alexander was a member of the Drumline in Grey Primary, and he now plays drums for a church band on Sundays. He likes drawing and drama besides music and also takes karate and plays hockey. His current drum teacher is Mr Jaco de Wet, and his piano teacher is Dr Johan Cromhout.
Daniel Ejims started playing violin aged six in Grade 1 in Grey Primary.He believes that playing violin actually taught him to focus much better.His teacher in primary school was Mrs Minerva van Zyl. He first gained position in the FSYO during his Grade 7 year, aged twelve. Daniel has been studying with Francois Henkins since the beginning of last year. Daniel is also a very passionate debater.
Mikael von Eschwege is in the FSYO for the third year in a row. He started playing violin in Grade 1, and he is an excellent pianist. He is also a top academic achiever and he scored top marks for Grade 10 in 2020. His violin teacher is Miss Anna van Niekerk.
Joubert Potgieter started learning the cello at four when he saw his elder brother playing the violin. He immediately fell in love with the cello, and he says that the cello kept him very happy as a small boy. Joubert first joined the FSYO in 2017 and has been a member ever since. His cello teacher is Professor Anmari van der Westhuizen. Joubert also takes piano and organ. He is very artistic, and he takes formal art classes.Congratulations to all four Grey boys! We are extremely proud of you!