Wednesday, February 27 2008

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HER SONG: Christiana Beharry gives an expressive rendition of "The Slumber Song" at the 28th Music Festival Class 4B girls vocal solo on Monday. She...

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The Birdsong Academy and Bon Air High School tied for first place yesterday in Class 45a – Junior Instrumental Ensemble —at the morning session of the 28th Music Festival at Queen’s Hall in Port-of-Spain.

Ten groups treated the Festival adjudicator, Professor Melvin Hurst, and members of the audience to pieces of their own choice in the category for up to 19 years of age, three to nine players.

Hurst commended all groups for their efforts and the audience turn-out. He encouraged members of the audience to remain “mindful of the process it takes to put together an ensemble.” He praised the students and music teachers for their “mammoth” efforts and congratulated them on their polished end product. Two groups found their way to the hearts of the judge and audience alike as they placed first in the class. With a total of 87 points the Bon Air High School and Birdsong Academy received the judge’s nod of approval as they presented a “nice ensemble with a balance between the instruments.”

Students of the Bon Air High School performed “What a wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong while their fellow victors delivered their version of “Ah went Home” by Andre Tanker.

The second place went to the St. Charles Steel Orchestra while evidence of the tight competition surfaced in the results with another tie, this time for third place. With a total of 85 points the Sherman Fyfe Steel Pan Music Academy and the Northgate College Instrumental Ensemble won the title of third position.