Sweet Salvation - Visually impaired students top gospel competition

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

The Salvation Army School for the Blind dominated Sunday's grand finals of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) 2013 Children's Gospel Song Competition. The talented students sang with passion and conviction, walking away from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, 36 Hope Road, St Andrew, with trophies for top Intermediate Choir and Intermediate Ensemble.

However, the school was denied a third trophy by Damarli Foster, who placed first in the Intermediate Solo category over Nigel Hector. Both competitors had the large, supportive audience standing with sterling performances of Agnus Dei. But Foster, a student of St Aloysius Primary School, proved the stronger singer of the two.

Still, there was no denying the jubilation in the Salvation Army school's camp. And no one was more elated than music teacher, Tahalee Lee.

"Last year, we entered only one piece. We were not placed, but we were very strong contenders. We were entering to see what it was like. We came in a little more ready this year and entered in more categories. I call it a sweep, and we are very happy," Lee told The Gleaner.

Lee, who has been teaching at the Salvation Army School for the Blind for 10 years, gave some insight into the experience of coaching her students. "It is a lot of work. The singing part is not so difficult, but when you're getting everything together - like the movements - they are not seeing what you are doing. But it is a joy for me, with a lot of work," Lee said. Lee noted that she got a lot of support from the school's staff and corporate Jamaica.

Junior Class winners

Junior Class winners in the special Child Month celebration were Raihanna Mitchell of May Pen Primary School, Clarendon, in the Solo category; Harmony Singers of St James (who also won last year) in the Ensemble category; and Corinaldi Avenue Primary School in the Choir category.

The grand finals of the Children's Gospel Song Competition was a good show, befitting the JCDC's 50th anniversary. The free-flowing programme was accentuated by a beautifully decorated stage. The theme for the show was 'Children of the Rock' - and and it was rock solid performances from the pool of talented children.

The opening act came from Father Ho Lung and Friends Junior Department, which performed The Lord's Prayer with the finalists before giving their own colourful and splendid performances of Mek Wi Celebrate, Praise Him, and I Will Serve You my Sweet Jesus.

Before Foster returned to the stage to close the show, 2012 soloists Alex Anderson (11-15-year-old category) and Remone Watson (six-10-year-old) reminded the gathering of their talents. Anderson's performance of Never Give Up was commendable, but Watson took the audience to a revival meeting with a medley of songs and matching movement. The Radical Band provided music for the performers, and MC for the show was Tony Young.