Lileith Atkins Bryan, Contributor
The Glenmuir High School Choir.
THE 2004 Glenmuir High School Festival Choir participated in the inaugural cultural exchange between Jamaica and the Bahamas, last month.
Mr. Dwight Sanderson, music specialist with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, in collaboration with the Humming Birds Association (Jamaicans living in the Bahamas) and the Honorary Consul of Jamaica in the Bahamas, Mr. Patrick Hanlan OD, were instrumental in this first exchange.
"My heart was dancing with pride and joy. I feel privileged to be a representative of Jamaica at this time. The quality of the performance was superb. All who heard the choir have nothing
but praises," remarked Mr. Hanlan.
MESMERISING PERFORMANCE
On Thursday, October 20, the choir, full of zeal and enthusiasm, moved straight from the airport to St. John's College for rehearsal for Friday's performances. The auditorium of St. John's College was full to capacity on Friday morning with students from the primary schools. The students were mesmerised by the performance of the choir. With consummate ease, the team moved from classical to folk to praise and then to pop. The appreciative students applauded thunderously. So impressed they were, that they flocked members of the choir to have their autographs. The afternoon performance was even more impressive. The high school students roared and sometimes sang along with the choir, particularly in the pop section.
On Saturday, the singers represented Jamaica in the International Day celebrations held in the Adastra Gardens, to a very appreciative crowd. Saturday night was the big night for the full concert in the St. John's College auditorium. Jamaicans and Bahamians from all walks of life were present. The performance of the group was superb. All the pieces were excellent as evidenced by the standing ovations they received from the highly appreciative audience. Not only were the voices blended into a good tone and harmony, but the choreography was also perfect. As a member of the audience commented that the group brought singing and movement to a higher level. Not to be outdone was Marsha Gooden's rendition of One Moment In Time. The clarity of diction and the melodious soprano voice had the audience spellbound. You could hear the Jamaican accent among those calling for more.
On Sunday, they again performed at the Adastra Gardens. After the rendition of two items, they were requested to do two more. Everyone stood as they did Bob Marley's Three Little Birds.
BEST ARRANGEMENT
An arranger of music who was among the audience commented that the arrangement of that selection was the best he had heard. He was obviously delighted. From here they moved on to Christ Church, downtown Nassau, where they participated in the special UNESCO Day service. Their renditions of Shout To The Lord from their praise repertoire, and Golden Horizons from the Classical were well received. The congregation broke into spontaneous applause in the otherwise quiet setting.
"As a Jamaican, I feel very proud especially in a country where some Jamaicans are seen in a negative light. These young people are true ambassadors. There is hope for Jamaica," said businesswoman Jean Mosely Culmer.
