By VERDEL BISHOP Tuesday, February 26 2008

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LADY AND THE PAN: Michaela Tamika Ward-Lewis performs in Class 42b Steel Pan Solo....

MUSIC Festival adjudicator Prof Melvin J Hurst yesterday complimented competitors participating in the festival thus far. He stated that in Canada, such a festival doesn’t get much participation. He also complimented participating students on wearing their school uniforms stating that most students in Canada don’t wear uniforms and it showed in their deportment.

The festival continued yesterday with Class 3 — boy’s vocal solo. Patrons at Queen’s Hall got a nice treat, as teenagers between 16 to 19 years, sang a choice between two test pieces — “To a Girl on Her Birthday” by W. H. Anderson and “Song of the Flea” by Beethoven.

Prof Hurst noted that he was very pleased with what he heard, as the soloists did a great job bringing sensitivity to the pieces.

There was a tie for first place with Christian Joel and Gerron Clarke who both scored 85 points. Elias Chamely and Justin Preddie fell one point behind, joint second with 84 points. Nicholas Chin, Anton Berryman, Akil Warner, Tevin Gall, Stephan Hernandez and Justin Solomon all put in a great effort and tied for third place with 82 points.

It was the girls’ turn to shine in Class 4 B — girls vocal solo finals for competitors between eight to ten years old. Singing the “Sluber Song” by Roger Quilter, Shinice Samuel and Christiana Beharry topped this category with 86 points. Prof Hurst noted that they captured the lilt, the lullaby feel and the lyric of the test piece. He congratulated them on their fine singing. Naomi Johnson and Janaia Clarke also tied with 85 points in second place.

Monique La Chapelle, Leah Grazeztte, Anika Ward and Nalanee Jones scored 82 points each for third place.

The steel pan solo category for competitors 16 to 19 years of age, upped the tempo, with competitors playing a test piece of their own choice. Prof Hurst noted that the level of pan playing in this country is remarkable, as most of the pannists have been playing for virtually most of their lives.

Pannists, Michaela Tamika Ward-Lewis and Krystal Borris each scored 88 points in first place. They played “Save A Dance” and “Steel Pan Rondo” respectively. Kevin Martin also put in a good effort for 87 points in second place.