There was a buzz of excitement at the National Cultural Center, Monday, March 25 for the Solo Singing Championship for Secondary Schools. This year was a bit more challenging for the students because they had to perform an original song composed by them or another student as well as sing a popular song.
In first place was Shan Lucien of Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School Campus B. Shan’s delivery of “One Wing” by Jordin Sparks was spectacular, with her use of ad lib, improvisation and bending notes to make the song her own. She connected with the judges and the audience when she sang her composition “My Fairytale”. It was a plaintive song yearning for someone who was no longer there. Her use of minor chords to express her feelings, long sustained notes for someone in pain and the use of a major chord for the last note to signify hope undoubtedly put her in a class of her own!
In second place was Mae-Jeanne Preville of SDA Academy with her inspirational Gospel song “We Shall Behold Him”. She livened things up with her Gospel Jazz “The Love of Jesus” and her rich arrangement of the song captivated listeners.
Third place winner Shirlana Samuel of Micoud Secondary gave a dramatic performance of Yolanda Adam’s “Yet Still I Rise”. Her original song was very different from the other compositions. It had a Hip-Hop component and a serious message for the youth. She was followed by Jharmarli Desir of Marigot Secondary the sole male in the competition. He had the girls going wild with Justin Bieber’s “That Should Be Me” and his Reggae composition, “Too Much Crime”.
Not to be outdone, the primary schools sang their Gospel songs with fervor and conviction. In first place was B’Knelli St Cyr of Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary with her heartfelt rendition of “Through the Fire” followed by Deshawn Augustin of Vieux Fort Primary, last year’s winner singing “Heart of Worship”. In third place was Laborie Girls Primary’s Stephy Harrigan, singing “Oh Happy Day”.
Thanks must go to Computer and Business Services Limited who gave the first place prize, a Galaxy Samsung Tablet. They have pledged their support for the event next year. Coconut Bay Resort and Spa, Music Man and Consolidated Foods all contributed towards prizes.
The two curriculum officers for music both agreed that students took the competition very seriously. The standard was high and they look forward to the competition next year!
