KNYSNA NEWS - A 27-year-old SA Army Band member, Private Celine Michaels from Hornlee, has shown that perseverance is key to success, or, as she puts it, "living her dream."
A dream born in sound
Her passion for music and the military was ignited in 2013, after witnessing the SA Navy's stirring performances at the Knysna Oyster Festival.
From that moment on, she knew she wanted to wear the uniform - not just as a soldier, but as a musician. However, the journey was anything but straightforward.
After matriculating at Knysna Secondary School in 2015, Michaels enrolled at South Cape College in George, where she pursued a qualification in human resource management.
Private Michaels teaching children from Hornlee during a musical workshop held at St James Anglican Church in Hornlee as part of the SA Army Band's programme during the Knysna Oyster Festival.
Upon graduating in 2019, she undertook a series of internships and administrative roles, including stints at African Skills Village, Knysna SAPS, BG Bison Sawmill, Garden Route District Municipality, Sedgefield Clinic, VIP Blue Star and Blitsdruk.
Despite the detours, her sights never strayed far from the military. "I applied for the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) every year," she recalls. "Each time, I mentioned my interest in music and my dream of joining the army band."
A breakthrough in 2023
Her persistence paid off in January 2024 when her mother received an SMS inviting
Michaels to begin her basic military training at the SA Infantry School in Oudtshoorn. She reported for duty on18 January 2024, joining one of the largest training intakes in years - with over 1 700 recruits.
"Captain Mahlare recognised me immediately," she says. "Every application I submitted mentioned music. I think that stuck."
Private Celine Michaels (middle) marches proudly to the beat of her perseverance. Photo: Rozano Alie
After completing her nine-month training, she proudly marched at her passing out parade on 6 September 2024.
Soon after, she performed for the first time with the SA Army Band. "It felt surreal - like everything I worked for finally came together," she says.
Mastering her craft
In addition to her military training, Michaels achieved a Grade 5, Level 2 certificate in music performance that qualified her for the SA Army Band. She specialises in the saxophone but is also skilled in trumpet.
"She is one of the most dependable and dedicated musicians I've worked with," says Sergeant Major Dane Andrews, the bandmaster.
"Her character speaks volumes, and her work ethic is unmatched. She practices late into the night and never shies away from challenges."
Tribute to her mother
Amid the joy of achieving her dream, Michaels endured the heartbreak of losing her mother.
Her mother had been so proud and happy when she received Celine's acceptance SMS and was always a guiding force in her life.
"I sent her pictures of my first parade, and she replied with a voice note. I still listen to it when I miss her," Michaels shares.
"By making myself proud, I know I'm making her proud too."
Inspiration to others
Private Celine Michaels' story is a source of hope for anyone chasing a dream. Through years of uncertainty, rejections, and detours, she never lost sight of her goal.
Now, clad in her uniform and with an instrument in hand, she marches proudly to the beat of her perseverance.
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