SHCA Students at the National Arts Festival

After a National Winner and Three Distinctions, SHCA Students Are Preparing To Take it All in the Upcoming National Arts Festival

A competitive and confident spirit is evident in the students of South Haven Christian that competed in last year’s National Arts Festival. The school is located on the grounds of The Bahamas Youth Camp, located on Gladstone Road. It has a strong music program with all of its students playing a musical instrument from grade three.

During last year’s National Arts festival students competed against students from all islands. The competition began last March, with the Awards Ceremony and distribution of awards finally taking place in December.

Gabriella Humes, flutist, was the National Winner in the Primary woodwinds section. Gabriella is an aggressive competitor and said she enjoyed watching and hearing all the other competing students. With a smile of confidence, she looks forward to competing again, now in the Junior High section.

Taji Strachan, a senior student and clarinet player said of his experience in the competition hall at Trinity Anglican Church, that he was nervous getting on the stage; but once he started to play he was captivated by the execution of the music. He said he liked hearing the examiner’s critique of his playing. He is up to going at it again. He now knows his distinction was not enough to net the National prize so he plans to go with a more contemporary piece this time rather than his past classical selection.

Kaylee Turnquest, the junior high flutist netted a score of 90 to secure a distinction but understands more about the competition. In addition to students on the island, she will also compete against other schoolmates. Kaylee, with a lovely smile and competitive gleam in her eyes, is not daunted by the challenge.

Israel Thompson, a cool alto saxophone player, also got a distinction. He thought the competition was good and said he’s fine with going again.

Confidence exudes from these students as they prepare to compete to bring home the golden plagues.