- Contributed
Carifolk Singers performing at the Choir Olympics.
Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
THE JAMAICA Carifolk Singers were shining on high beam when they sang their way to the tune of three medals (one gold and two silver) at the third Choir Olympics, held in Bremen, Germany from July 8-18.
Carifolk Singer's member, Roy Thomas, said, the group, despite failing to better their medal tally from the last time they entered in 2000, was still very pleased with their overall performance.
"We were hoping to better our medal counts, especially in getting more gold medals, as we had similar results (a gold and two silvers) when we entered in Linx, Austria, in 2000. The only thing was that the categories were different," Thomas explained.
The three categories that the Carifolk Singers entered in this year were 'Folklore with an Instrumental Accompaniment', where they struck gold and 'Music of the Religions' and 'Scenic Folklore', where they received silver medals.
The Choir Olympics, which featured 366 choirs from 83 countries, had a few prerequisites for choirs that had previously failed to qualify and those entering for the first time.
According to Thomas, "choirs entering for the first time and those who did not get into the medal round if they previously entered had to undergo a qualifying round and had to achieve at least a gold diploma in order to move on to the actual medal round. In the qualifying round bronze, silver and gold diplomas are awarded."
CROWD FAVOURITES
However, even if it were the first time that the Carifolk Singers had been entering it would have been smooth sailing, as they were clearly crowd favourites in their categories.
Despite being one of the smallest choirs (26 members) to enter, the Carifolk Singers still managed to stand out, as their movement on stage and professional sound had them getting standing ovations throughout their performances.
"The effect that we had on the audience there was tremendous, as applause and standing ovations were given after each of our performances, while other choirs only received applause at the end of their entire 15 minute presentation on stage. Other choirs there were 50-70 members strong and they even had costumes for every rehearsal, plus the main competing costumes," Thomas recalled.
Based on our performance in 2000 we were invited to sing at the opening ceremony this year, where we represented the Continent of the Americas at the opening ceremony.
The next Choir Olympics will be hosted by China and already the Carifolk Singers have begun to make their mark as two of their pictures are featured on the official flier and its not often that any choir gets this privilege.
The Choir Olympics is held every two years, and was first staged in Linz, Austria, in July 2000.
