“Stick with me and I'll make you famous''

Namib High
By Irene-Mari van der Walt
Melody, harmony and rhythm are said to be the three basic elements of music. When considering any and all three of these elements there is only one name that comes to the mind - the Mascato Youth Choir.
The Mascato was established in 1996, a full 20 years, they have made a name for themselves both locally and internationally having closely worked with Kokopelli Choirs and touring Germany in May this year.
Four Namib High Mascato singers joined their fellow Mascatonians to the tour of lifetime. The two week-long tour was jam-packed with amazing highs that were well-enjoyed by all in attendance.
During an interview with Mr Theo Cookson, current conductor of the Mascato, I asked him the following questions:
Irene: What was your favorite location in Germany?
Theo: My favorite location is Dresden, it's the third time I visited Germany and every time I go through Dresden I see something new. It's a beautiful historic town and they have maintained the town very well.
Irene: What was your favorite moment of the tour?
Theo: My favorite moments was when we went to a home for the mentally disabled. I remember this one of the patients running towards me and I go afraid because he was shouting, but then he hugged me kissed me I my neck and all over and told me he loved but the people were pulling him away from me. I think that was a great turning point and booster for the tour.
Irene: What famous singer would you like to have as a Mascato member?
Theo: Definitely John Legend, he's a master. I've never heard anybody who is so in tune in his live shows.
Irene: What do you still want to achieve with the Mascato?
Theo: I believe I've achieved my goals. I originally wanted them to be the best choir in the world, but I have the best people and family in the world. That's an achievement n it's won and whether we'll reach that status one day is not as important anymore.
Irene: What would you like people to remember about you?
Theo: That it was never about me. I live for helping others. I live for these kids and hope to always inspire. I do hope that when I'm gone that the legacy I left behind will be within the people I taught.
Irene: What do you think makes the Mascato under your leading unique?
Theo: I think what makes us unique is that we go beyond the borders of singing and music. I think it's because this choir offers a safe haven to the kids who come here.
Irene: Why do you think you were chosen specifically?
Theo: I've always wondered what the secret was to conducting this choir and I thought it was musical ability which I still have a lot to learn about but I soon realized that it's about love: loving what you do and loving your singers. I feel that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care and that I only figured out a while after being chosen.
All the hard work and dedication from both our Namib High Mascations and Theo Cookson make Namib High proud to be recognized as the home of the Mascato Choir.