A local high school student recently placed first in the contemporary vocal category of a provincial skills competition. This was according to Unathi Booi, spokesperson at the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
A total of 31 students participated in the WCED Provincial Skills Competition and Kalu Uekermann, a grade 11 pupil from Paul Roos Gymnasium placed first in the contemporary vocal category.
This was according to Hugo Smuts, a senior education specialist for further education and training at the WCED.
The competition was open to grade 10 and 11 learners from the Western Cape and was held at Bellville Technical High School, said Booi.
“Ueckermann was a deserved winner,” said Smuts.
Grade 11 Paul Roos Gymnasium student, Kalu Ueckermann (pictured above) came first at the 2023 the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Provincial Skills competition for the contemporary vocal category on 2 September. “I am just grateful for the Paul Roos [music] teachers for giving me this [opportunity],” said Ueckermann. PHOTO: Michelle Grobbelaar
Heading to nationals
“[Winning] was a pretty nice feeling,” said Ueckermann.
The win has enabled Ueckermann to progress to the National Skills Competition that will be held in Johannesburg from 5 to 7 October, stated Booi.
“I’m not expecting myself to win it, but it would be really nice to have an accomplishment like that,” said Ueckermann.
“I also have a passion for composition and composing,” said Kalu Ueckermann (pictured above), a grade 11 Paul Roos Gymnasium student who recently came first in the contemporary singing category at the Western Cape Education Department Provincial Skills competition. PHOTO: Michelle Grobbelaar
The road to victory
Ueckermann auditioned for the competition in June and performed the song “Bring Him Home” both at the audition and in the competition, he stated.
“I encouraged him to participate as he was a voice category winner at the Stellenbosch Eisteddfod [in May],” said Cezarre Strydom, music teacher at Paul Roos Gymnasium.
The Stellenbosch Eisteddfod is a competition where primary and secondary school students showcase their talents in music, drama and visual arts, according to the Stellenbosch Eisteddfod website.
The Provincial Skills Competition enabled Ueckermann to be awarded full colours at Paul Roos Gymnasium, he said.
He has been practising since July, said Ueckermann.
“For an all-boys school that is renowned for its rich sporting heritage, Ueckermann’s win further cements the school’s burgeoning reputation as a fine music hub in Stellenbosch,” said Strydom.
The grade 11 Paul Roos Gymnasium student, Kalu Ueckermann (pictured above) with his award for placing first in the contemporary singing category at the Western Cape Education Department Provincial Skills competition he said. PHOTO: Supplied/Kalu Ueckermann