January 28th 2012
Review of the Annual Schools Choir Competition
Rae Anthony

The annual Schools Choir Competition was held at the National Cultural Centre on Monday January 23rd 2011. The competition is one of the activities which are held as a part of Nobel Laureate Week. The theme for Nobel Laureate Week this year is “Appreciating our Past: Charting our future”.

There was a lot of excitement from the Schools and I must say the competition was an exciting one. It was quite obvious that it would be a bit challenging for the judges to select a winner. The host jokingly added that she was quite happy that she wasn’t in the judges’ shoes, because decision making would not be easy!

The participating schools in the Primary category were: Ave Maria Girls Primary, Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary, Richfond Combined and Laborie Boys Primary. The Secondary category: Saint Joseph’s Convent, St Mary’s College, Bocage Secondary, Leon Hess Comprehensive and the S.D.A Academy. (Each School performed a test piece followed by a song of choice.)

Saint Joseph’s Convent, made a good impression on the judges and they took the first place spot in the Secondary Category. They expressed their delight be jumping and screaming. The school put on a great performance with dancing and a little drama in between. However, despite the screams and squeals from the school, it was obvious that quite a bit of individuals were not pleased with the results; especially St. Mary’s College who put on a wonderful performance, based on the crowd’s opinion. However, at the end of the day, despite the crowds’ favourites and the cheers the participating schools received from them; it was all left to the judges to select who would be declared winner.

In the Primary Category Anse La Raye Primary got the victory and it was no surprise; they put on a very impressive performance. What made it even more beautiful, was the fact that they were so young and cute and that they sang so beautifully! Hats off to the musical conductors of the winning schools; they did a great job and you had a big part to play. Congratulations to the other schools also and their musical conductors; they all put on such a terrific performance! Especially the Primary Schools; the kids were so young! And I must say they were so adorable and the crowd loved every minute of their performances. (Each School received a certificate of participation.)

There were also two guest performances from: Banse La Grace Combined School Choir and Camille Henry Memorial Choir.

The Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy was present at the function along with Claudius Francis. They both seemed to be enjoying the show. All in all The 2012 Schools Choir Competition was a big success.

The results are as follows: (Primary Schools Category)

- 3rd place with a total of 372 points: Ave Maria Girls Primary.
- 2nd place with a total of 386 points: Laborie Boys Primary.
- 1st place with a total of 401 points: Anse La Raye Primary.

Results for the Secondary Schools Category are as follows:

- 3rd place with a total of 380.5 points: Leon Hess Comprehensive.
- 2nd place with a total of 385 points: Bocage Secondary.
- 1st place with a total of 394 points: Saint Joseph’s Convent.

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