Final year Music Education student Lauren Ramsay says although the world can get crazy, and at times seems too much for one person to handle, there is always a reason to keep pushing forward.
During Youth Month, we put the spotlight on eight members of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Choir – one from each voice group. Together with more than 100 other individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and fields of study, and under the leadership of conductor André van der Merwe, they inspire and captivate audiences across the world with their unique sound.
Lauren took a moment to answer a couple of questions about herself:
Tell us about yourself, and how it came about that you joined the choir.
I am from Cape Town and I'm a final year Music Education student. My first experience with the Stellenbosch University Choir was in my first year. I attended one of the lunch hour concerts with a friend to see what all the hype around the choir was about. I remember sitting in the audience in tears listening to the choir's rendition of Angel By The Wings. After the concert, I was speechless and made a promise to myself that no matter what, I wanted to sing in the choir before I graduate. A few months later, I sent in my audition videos and was accepted as an Alto 1.
What do you enjoy most about being in the choir?
One of my favourite thing about singing in the choir is the large variety of music we are exposed to and then also the people. It is amazing to be part of such a diverse team that shares a common goal of creating magic with music.
With Youth Day in mind, what is your message of hope for other young people?
My message for other young people is to keep going (or in colloquial terms, kap aan). Although the world can get crazy, and at times it might seem too much for one person to handle, there's always a reason to keep pushing – you just need to find that little light at the end of the tunnel to make even the darkest of days easier.
What is your favourite song at the moment?
My favourite song at the moment is “Conversations in the Dark" by John Legend.
Visit the SU Choir's YouTube channel to listen to their songs.
