JUNE - Department of Defence

focus on youth
Young talent in our
Air Force Band
The youngest member of the SA Air Force Band - Airman Peter van der Poel.
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By Thabang Bapela, Ad Astra
In its effort to nurture young talent
in music among the youth of South
Africa, the SA Air Force Band has
roped in Airman Peter van der
Poel. As the youngest member of
the Band he is obviously excited at
the opportunity accorded him and
he is looking forward to honing his
skills on the trumpet.
Born in Pretoria North on 11
November 1987 Peter's career in music
started when he was studying the subject
at Waterkloof High School. His
love for the subject grew stronger
when he listened to the SA Air Force
Band for the first time.
Airman Van der Poel asked to be
allowed to become a member of the SA
Air Force Band, whereupon he was
called for auditioning and he duly
passed. This led him to apply to the SA
Air Force to become a member after
going through Basic Military Training
at the Air Force Gymnasium in
October 2006.
"I am very excited to be part of the
Band and I feel there are lots of opportunities
in the SA Air Force Band. I
look forward to learning more about
music in the coming years," said
Airman Van der Poel.
The thought of being in a military
environment in the SA Air Force is an
added advantage to him because he
would like to live a disciplined life. He
is looking forward to being a member
of the SA Air Force Band for the next
five years. "I am proud to do what I am
currently doing. I play the trumpet
because I really like the sound of the
brass."
When asked if June 16 had any significance
for him, he replied: "For me
and other young people like me it is a
reminder of what rights we have and
what our country went through to get to
where it is today".
He feels that on this day the youth of
South Africa should rejoice, but still
keep the thought in mind that with the
rights they have there is still the responsibility
of setting an example for the next
generation.
His message to the youth is: Follow
your heart and do what you want to do.
Do not be discouraged by anyone or any
situation. "The work you put in equals
the results you will get," he said.
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