School choir singers making Jamaica proud
Published:Tuesday | December 12, 2023 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
What do TVJ’s ‘Altogether Sing’ and Boys and Girls’ Champs have in common? If there were an international choir competition, as with track and field, Jamaica would surely be winning there, too. Watching and listening to the top three school choirs performing on Sunday left me in utter amazement at the talent, the skills and the dedication on display. The six songs performed by the schoolchildren were innovative, lively, very Jamaican and, from what the learned judges had to say, highly accomplished as musical works in themselves, both technically and as a performance.
The skills of the choir directors in both selecting and arranging the pieces week after week is astounding. Then, they have the task in a few short days of getting their choirs to know and love the songs, and deliver with the evident joy and enthusiasm that always comes across. The result, to me, is miraculous, literally so, because I just can’t imagine how they manage it. Then there are the costume makers in the schools, who clearly are equally talented, adding powerful visual imagery to the songs, which often contain important stories or messages.
As for the students themselves, it really does give hope for Jamaica. So many young people showing off their undoubted musical, singing and performing skills, enhanced by what must be considerable dedication and hard work. The sheer joy that they always exude is just so infectious, and as the engaging audience who appreciated the songs, they add to the lively vibe of every Sunday night at this time of the year.
Congratulations, again, to all involved. You surely make Jamaica proud.
PAUL WARD
Oracabessa