Draft:Pieter Stegen


Pieter Stegen (born 4 May 2010) is a South African chorister, student, and amateur music producer. He is best known for his involvement with the Drakensberg Boys' Choir School (DBCS), a specialist music school in KwaZulu-Natal. Pieter joined the institution in 2020 and has participated in national tours and choral performances throughout South Africa. He is also recognized for his extracurricular interests in technology, music production, and web design.

Early Life and Background

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Pieter Stegen was born at Pretoria East Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa. He spent his early childhood on a commercial pine forestry farm near Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Raised in a rural environment, Pieter was exposed to both agriculture and nature from a young age, and his upbringing is said to have influenced his independent personality and broad range of interests.

From an early age, he exhibited a strong affinity for music, frequently listening to classical and operatic works. His musical preferences included a wide range of genres, but he developed a particular fondness for opera. Among his favourite pieces were Nessun dorma by Giacomo Puccini and Libiamo ne' lieti calici from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata.

In addition to music, Pieter showed an early interest in technology. He learned basic programming and website development skills as a preteen and went on to design and build websites for personal and family use. These included a personal portfolio site titled PJWS[1] and a website for his family's forestry business, Manlyn Estates.[2] He also explored digital art and graphic design, often creating promotional materials and experimenting with user interface design.

Education and Choir Involvement

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Pieter was admitted to the Drakensberg Boys Choir School[3] in 2021 at the age of 10, following a successful audition process. The school, founded in 1967, is located near the town of Winterton, South Africa and is known for its specialized focus on choral music combined with traditional academic education. Admission is competitive, and students are selected from across South Africa.

During his time at DBCS, Pieter participated in the school's intensive music program, which includes vocal coaching, music theory, aural training, and ensemble work. He was actively involved in the school's regular performances and national tours. As a chorister, Stegen performed in concerts across several South African cities and towns, including Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Bloemfontein, Graaff-Reinet, Plettenberg Bay, Still Bay, and Pennington.[4]

The choir's repertoire typically includes a blend of classical music, contemporary works, Afro-pop, and traditional African songs, often arranged specifically for the ensemble. The Drakensberg Boys Choir performs approximately 80 concerts per year, both locally and internationally.

In December 2023, Stegen was awarded the Group 4 Academic Award for Aural Training alongside fellow student Zipho Dzanibe during the school's annual Academic Prize-Giving ceremony. He also received a special commendation for his contribution to the school community, acknowledging his dedication to both academics and music.[5]

Health Challenges and Vocal Nodules

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In late 2022, Stegen was diagnosed with vocal fold nodules following a laryngoscopy examination. Vocal nodules are benign growths on the vocal cords typically caused by vocal strain or overuse. The diagnosis posed a significant challenge for Stegen, as it temporarily prevented him from singing and participating in certain aspects of choir life.

Following his diagnosis, Stegen sought treatment from multiple specialists. In mid-2023, he began working with Dr. Lance Maron,[6] an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon specializing in voice disorders operating at Netcare Parklane[7] in Johannesburg. Initially, non-surgical methods such as speech therapy and vocal rest were attempted. However, due to the persistence of the nodules, Stegen underwent a surgical procedure involving laser removal of the nodules. During the same procedure, he also had his tonsils and adenoids removed, as they had regrown after a previous tonsillectomy at age four.

The operation lasted approximately two and a half hours and was considered successful. Stegen gradually resumed singing following a six-month recovery period. However, the nodules recurred after extensive vocal use, necessitating a second laser procedure, again performed by Dr. Maron. The follow-up operation resolved the issue permanently, and Stegen returned to full vocal function.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

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Beyond his academic and musical pursuits, Pieter Stegen has maintained a wide range of personal interests such as playing the pipe organ. He has a strong passion for technology, particularly computers, and enjoys working on digital projects in his free time. He has experimented with music production using tools such as the PHONIC AMG5E[8] mixer and Logic Pro on a MacBook Air. He has also created original compositions and remix projects as a hobby.

Pieter is an avid cyclist and dirt bike rider, often exploring long-distance rural routes in KwaZulu-Natal. One notable personal achievement occurred when he reportedly completed a 68 km cycling route on his own, having left early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Additionally, he has had informal driving experience on his family's farm, reportedly learning to drive at age 8 and independently navigating farm roads by age 9. This early exposure to mechanical and technical tasks further reflects his comfort with hands-on activities.

Future Plans

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As of 2025, Pieter is in his final year at the Drakensberg Boys Choir School. He has expressed plans to continue his secondary education at Hilton College a private boarding school in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Hilton College is known for its academic rigor and extracurricular offerings, and it is anticipated that Stegen will continue developing both his musical and technological interests there.

References

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  1. ^ "PJWS". PJWS. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
  2. ^ "Home". Manlyn Estates (Pty) Ltd. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
  3. ^ "Drakensberg Boys Choir". dbchoir.com. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
  4. ^ Stuart, Keisha (2025-02-05). "DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR LAUNCHES 2025 NATIONAL TOUR". Drakensberg Boys Choir Newsroom. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  5. ^ schoolsthatrock (2023-12-18). "Academic Prize-giving – Drakensberg Boys Choir - Schools That Rock - Factual news | Schools South Africa". Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  6. ^ "Dr Lance Perry Maron • Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeon (ENT) • Parktown, Johannesburg". www.medpages.info. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
  7. ^ "Bing Maps". Bing Maps. Retrieved 2025-07-26.
  8. ^ "AM5GE". www.phonic.com. Retrieved 2025-07-26.