Boys Show Off Musical Prowess at Choir Festival

Hundreds of boys from more than 30 primary schools in St. James, on Tuesday, May 28, showcased their musical and vocal talents as the Ministry of Education staged the 4th annual Boys’ Choir Festival, at the Bethel Primary and Junior High School in Hopewell, Hanover.

The event was held under the theme: ‘Empowering our boys through music’ and comprised solo, duet, trio, small and large group pieces in the categories of gospel, folk and reggae.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the festival, Regional Director in the Ministry of Education’s Region 4, Hillary Foster, said music and singing contribute to the personal, social, mental, and physical development of the child and should be promoted in all schools.

“As educators, we know that children derive great joy and satisfaction from singing and this activity cheers the spirit and lightens the heart. It causes the mind to focus and it also causes the body to relax,” she said.

She noted that the festival focuses on boys “as we want to boost their image”.

Coordinator of the event, Yerma Haughton, told JIS News that she was pleased with the quality of the presentations.

She said she is looking forward to taking the festival across the education region, which also entails Westmoreland and Trelawny.

“I am hoping that we can further develop the talents that were on display here today. We will endeavour to work with the teachers and principals so that they can further highlight and focus on the boys in other settings outside of the schools, such as at church, festivals and talent shows,” Mrs Haughton said.

Stating that boys “are often left behind”, she expressed the hope that with encouragement and guidance, they will begin to “push ahead and take their rightful positions in life, as they have it in them”.

Contact: Glenis A. Rose