Performances from National Children’s Festival of the Arts gold medalists from 15 schools across Grand Cayman will be available for viewing this weekend.
The medalists entertained audiences during two final concerts recently at the John Gray High School Performing Arts Hall to showcase their winning song, dance, speech and instrumental performances on 27-28 March.
The concerts will be featured on CIGTV or its YouTube channel on Saturday, 15 April, at 2pm.
Department of Education Services Director Mark Ray was present at both concerts. He said in a statement issued by the department, “It is truly heartwarming and encouraging to attend this year’s Final Concerts, knowing the young musicians, dancers and orators that gave so much time to hone their skills and talents have an additional opportunity to display them to the wider community.”
Ray also expressed his gratitude to the parents, teachers, family members and well-wishers that came out to lend their support and be thoroughly entertained.
Among the performers was Lighthouse School student Jamaal Dubrey who captivated the audience with his riveting performance on evening two of the concerts on 28 March.
His mother, Claudine Dixon, who had beamed with pride as he entered the stage, said, “It’s just amazing; seeing him perform is wonderful, and he is always so excited and ready to do it, whether there is a competition or not. Most importantly, he enjoys himself and shows people what he can do. So I am grateful to the NCFA for providing him with a platform to do both.”
Seasoned NCFA adjudicator Stephanie Williams expressed pride at the programme’s role in students’ development over the last 40 years.
“It is a good sign that the NCFA has not only survived but has become a necessary part of our children’s education and personal growth,” she said. “The arts and vehicles like the NCFA help to give the soul life and enhance the human spirit, and when we look at NCFA ‘graduates’ like Devon Edie, Samuel Rose, Nicole Barnett-Bodden, Janelle Tibbetts, Junior Hines, Rebekkah Jefferson and many others, we can feel proud that the existence of the NCFA helped in some small way to shape the future development and growth of the arts in Cayman.”
The 2023 NCFA season will culminate next month with the Young Musician of the Year and the Amin Mohammed Steel Pan Competitions.
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