Aaron Hampshire who has been attending singing lessons since Grade 1 and has won the Best Male Foundation Phase at the Paarl Valley Eisteddfod last year, has been offered a place at Drakensberg Boys Choir School for next year. Aaron is a Grade 4 learner at Paarl Boys Primary and is filled with excitement for what’s in store for the new year.
Deidre Hampshire, Aaron’s mother, has expressed great excitement on the opportunity that was been awarded to her son. “There is not a greater blessing for your child than for one of their strongest passions and talents to be acknowledged and recognised,” says Hampshire.
Aaron has participated in competitions at hotels and in the eisteddfods and this year he won Gold plus for his solo piece “Octopus garden” by the Beatles. When asked why he chose singing, his reply was simple: “Singing makes me happy. When I worry about things or feel sad I sing and feel much better.”
Aaron is ecstatic about going to Drakensberg Boys Choir School, although he says he will miss his teacher and friends at Paarl Boys Primary.
He would like to follow a career in singing, but has many options like a soccer player, rugby player, architect or geologist on his list.
Aaron’s support mostly comes from his mother, who often plays music and attends his concerts and lessons. Aaron says he gets his motivation from his mother who always says he sings wonderfully. “ She always tells me that I sing wonderfully and that sad people can’t sing. So I think that I am happy.”
Aaron will be starting school at Drakensberg Boy Choir School next year and plans on returning to Paarl Boys for Grade 10, as Drakensberg Boys Choir School only offers tuition up to Grade 9.
