Jordan Williams, a student of Sybil's Music Studio, had no difficulty executing her assignment of playing the flute at Kids In Concert held at RIU Hotel in Montego Bay on Sunday. - Photos by Sheena Gayle
Western Bureau:
Musicians as young as three years old primed their instruments and disguised their anxiety to showcase a resounding musical masterpiece on Father's Day dubbed Kids In Concert.
From the intricate piano, flute and violincompositions to the graceful and melodious voices of talented young singers, the audience members in the auditorium at RIU Hotel in Montego Bay were captivated by the performances of more than 50 students from Sybil's Music Studio.
Five-year-old Louis Li was brilliant in his piano performance of Never Vex a Tyrannosaurus Rex that was originally composed by British composer and pianist Paul Drayton. Despite the resounding applause he received on entry to the stage, the young pianist did not crack under the pressure of several watchful eyes as he beautifully executed his assigned piece in flawless style. Even his charismatic bow at the end of his performance showed his passion to entertain.
Self-taught
However, it was 19-year-old Sean Roberts' violin tribute to You Raise Me Up that garnered a resounding crowd response. Roberts, who is a student at Munro College in St Elizabeth, is from Manchester and taught himself to play the instrument.
"I've been playing the violin for over a year now and I chose it because it has a nice sound. When I started, it was really challenging because I couldn't afford the classes so I rented a violin and watched tutorial videos on YouTube to learn the basics," a talented Roberts told The Gleaner. He, however, credits his development in the proficient use of the violin to Sybil Grant.
The annual Kids In Concert, which is in its 20th year, helps raise funds for various charitable causes. According to music director Sybil Grant, the funds raised from this year's staging will be donated to assist the continued development of the Paediatric Ward at the Cornwall Regional Hospital.
A soft-spoken Grant explained, "I love working with children and I intend to continue to serve our young ones in developing discipline and dignity through learning and the enjoyment of music."
Grant is a music teacher at Sybil's Music Studio in Mandeville, which she operates. In a bid to teach and inspire young minds in music, she has expanded her vision from Mandeville to Munro College and Montego Bay.
Sean Roberts, a 19-year-old student at Munro College in St Elizabeth, gave a resounding violin performance at the charity event, Kids In Concert, on Sunday.