Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

They believed in music
By Esther Williams
Held for the second consecutive year, the Inter School Western Music Choir Competition held at the BMICH on March 18 was a unique event that showcased musical talents of students focusing on their ability to sing in harmony.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Mount Lavinia, the programme featured 15 schools from within Colombo and outside - categorised into Boys, Mixed and Girls. Each school was required to sing a set song that was of a spiritual nature and a song of their choice, both of which had to be conducted by a student of the school.

The angelic voices of the Bridgeteens sang out loud and clear for their rendition of the “Nuns Chorus” made more magical with the sounds of the ringing of a bell. “Say” (a song about the need for peace) a composition by their Music Director, Ruwani Seimon was the song of their choice that they jazzed up with some graceful movements showing total involvement and good balance that earned them the first prize in the girls’ category.

One of the soloists, Trudy Herft of Year 10 said that they practised a great deal to perfect their singing and movements that were choreographed by senior chorister Dilini. Attributing their success to their teacher Ms. Seimon, “She inspires us a lot and gives us confidence so that our singing comes out perfect,” she says.

The Colombo International School that won the first place in the mixed category chose the well known and contemporary “I Believe” for their set song that they sang with a depth of expression. Trained by Prashalini Pieris they also sang in perfect harmony, a cappella a new version of “Somewhere” from the Wizard of Oz, written for an SATB choir.

Dominic Johnpillai of Year 11 conducted the CIS choir. “It was the first time for me and I found it very exciting,” he says, adding that he had to bring out the feeling of the music. He further needed to be conversant with the dynamics – parts that required the choir to be loud, soft, crescendo, etc. Having acquired skills for playing the piano, violin and guitar at a young age, Dominic certainly has a ear for music. He was also asked to conduct the combined voice choir of all the participating schools as they sang “Heal The World.”

There is something unique about a male voice choir and this special quality was brought out by the St. Joseph’s College Choir that performed their version of a “Panis Angelicus” (set song) and “World In Union” (song of choice). In keeping with their reputation, the choir trained by Francis de Almeida, won the first prize in the Boys’ category.

Other participating schools were St. Sebastian’s College, Wesley College, Asian International School, Lyceum International School, St. Nicholas International School (Colombo), St. Nicholas International School (Negombo), Ave Maria Convent, Good Shepherd Convent, Hillwood College, St. Lawrence’s School, Methodist College and Sujatha Vidyalaya.

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