The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

MEMBERS of the National Youth Choir of the Bahamas filed onto the stage and dazzled the crowd with classical, negro spirituals, and broadway performances in their 22nd annual season concert, at the College of the Bahamas Performing Arts Centre last week.

"I have been coming every year to see the show. I think it gets better and better every year. The entire atmosphere is great and they do a really good job with their performances of the classic and folk songs," said Cyril Ebong, a patron.

This season contained many new comers to the band, which was a challenge for renowned conductor Cleophas Adderley.

"I was working with a new choir and I was really proud of their performance. When you have three new people in a choir that can throw off a choir. In this case I had to work with an entirely new choir. There are only a few of the old members left. I hope they will continue to work hard and progress," said Mr Adderley.

The show contained a mixture of classical and folk music. Between sets, the group move between shimmering gold gowns and tailored tuxedos, and native costumes that were full of colour.

The choir's performance was highlighted by guest artist Ty Cox, a Bahamian baritone. He is a former member of the National Youth Choir and also performed with the Bel Canto Singers. During the concert he dedicated his rendition of "Bless This House" to the Bahamas.

"This is a song that I perform regularly and I wanted to dedicate it to the Bahamas because we are in need of prayer and God's deliverance," he said.

In the first segment of the show the choir sang Exultate Deo, Sanctus, Gloria and the traditional spiritual “My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord”. Choir members danced, swopped, shuffled and twirled as they sang "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ein Gat That Swing). This was one of the highlight performances.

"I would never miss the choir's concert for nothing in the world. Everything in the first segment was unique, all of the dynamics of the songs were well performed. I did think the choir needed more work on Gloria; there were some timing issues. But apart from that they were excellent. The conductor always does a great job and he is an integral part of the production," said Bahamian musician Rufus.

A part of the choir's mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Bahamas, including songs such as Gern Down Burma Road, Watermelon is Spoiln, Pumpkin Banana, Peas, and Corn, and Brown Skin Gal. They were brought to life by with colorful costumes and jazzy choreography.

"Basically we picked songs in several categories to train students in the widest taste of music possible. We do not want them to neglect their Bahamian heritage. We train them in classical music, romantic music, negro spirituals broadway, and popular music," Ms Adderley.

The Bahamas National Youth Choir, is also gearing up for the World Choir Games in July. In 2008 the choir won two silver medals and a gold medal at the 5th World Choir Games.