Last weekend, March 1, 2014, Kingston Jamaica’s Best School Band Competition “ The Music Champs” was launched on the grounds of the Music Mart in The event is the brain child of Rayven Amani. Hosted by Peter Harvey, greetings and salutations were given and by extension thanks to all who turned out to support the youths presenting for the evening.
The Competition is geared towards providing a “platform where, generations of talented youngsters who possess the passion to take our music to another level, is nurtured, mentored inspired and rewarded”. With this in proper context, the showcase of young talent began after a brief welcome from Frankie Campbell (guitarist and Band Manager for Fab 5).
The first band to showcase their skills was Alpha DMTJ Youth Band, who had been playing together for four (4) years and consisting of four (4) members.  Their performance was very encouraging and showcased a potent lead singer. Peter Harvey provided whimsical but appropriate encouragement to the youth in his interaction with the members stressing the point that the youth are the future of the movement.
After the band’s set was completed, they had eased through renditions of Romain Virgo’s “Cyaan Sleep”, and John Legend’s “Stay with You” along with some other pieces. At this juncture in the programme, Cordel Green, the Director of the Broadcasting Commission was introduced and he brought his greetings to the proceedings. His advice to the youth was to start small as many great ones had done and dream big.
The next band on the stand was Donald Quarrie High School which was formed in 2011. They performed confidently delivering music from Chronixx and Gregory Isaacs. Rayven Amani then stepped up to add her thanks for the support showed by main sponsors Music Mart and BLAK IWA TV along with Veggie Meals and Wheels and Tony Carrabano. She announced the prizes for the competition, the most outstanding male and female, best band leader, main prize JSBC trophy, most disciplined band and an offer to have the winner perform on Next year’s Rebel Salute, instrumental prizes from Music Mart and a recording session with Mikey Bennett Legendary Produce for the winning band.
The final performance for the evening was the Pembrook Hall High School. They were especially well received by the small gathering of teachers parents and supporters. Complete with two lead singers, a horn section, flute section, they definitely made an impression with renditions from Romain Virgo, Gregory Isaacs, Chronixx, Bob Marley, Dawn Penn, Beres Ford Hammond and Queen Ifrika. Post performance, the female singer was rewarded with a free t-shirt presented by Tonny Cabborno.
A few important points to note, the first preliminary round of competition begins on March 15, 2014 at the Holy Child Hood School. The finals will be held at Edna Manley College on April 13th. Sun City Radio will carry the band performances every Wednesday between 4 and 5 pm. Jamaica’s Best School Band Competition is” where the music lives on”. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more and BLAK IWA TV will lend its support as well. This one is for the youths.

Blissings and Love

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