Krista Henry, Staff Reporter
THEY CAME from far and near for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Performing Arts National Finals Day Three. But at the end of the day Glenmuir and Papine High were the top winners in almost all catego0ries.
Crowds erupted at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue, last Wednesday for varying performances throughout the evening, as all schools excelled.
Students performed to songs such as Mout a Massy, a 'labrish medley' and danced the dinki mini. Bands played to Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, ska legends, Beres Hammond and much more, while Glenmuir High did a tribute to Buju Banton in the popular and modern music section.
As the MC claimed upon opening the show, JCDC's aim in staging this competition is to "improve the quality of music in Jamaica." The performers showed the flexibility of Jamaican popular music, as students were able to mix old classics with the latest dancehall rhythms.
Besides the obvious talent and skill, the level of social consciousness was clear, as Junior Gong's Welcome to Jamrock, Baby Cham's Ghetto Story, Buju Banton's Murderer and Richie Spice's Earth a Run Red were among the songs performed. A number of performances stressed the effects of violence and deceit on persons.
Costumes were detailed and changed regularly. Performances were orderly and choreographed and it must have been extremely hard for the judges to pick the winners. As the MC stated, "They were all winners before they got here because this is the best of the crop."
GOLD MEDALS
However, Glenmuir and Papine took home the most gold medals. They entered most, if not all the categories and were constantly creative and well trained.
The Most Outstanding Instrumental Ensemble Pop and Modern Band Intermediate 2 went to Charlemont High. Most Outstanding Vocal Gospel Choir Intermediate 2 went to Glenmuir with Clarendon college coming extremely close. Most Outstanding Vocal Classical was awarded to Glenmuir. Winner of Most Outstanding Spiritual Choir was Clarendon College.
Most Outstanding Vocal Patriotic Choir Intermediate 2 was Charlemont High. Most Outstanding Popular and Modern Music Intermediate 2 went to Papine High. Most Outstanding Jamaican Folk Singing Choir Intermediate 2 went to Papine as well. Most Outstanding Traditional Folk Singing Choir Intermediate 2 went to Papine. Glenmuir took home the last prize of Most Outstanding Songs From Movies/Theatre Music Intermediate 2 with their rendition of 'Circle of Life'.
