Parang is usually associated with the Yuletide season, but, yesterday, the sweet sounds of junior paranderos filled the auditorium at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, where the 29th edition of the Music Festival is taking place.
While the sounds reverberated with sweetness, the results hit a sour note. The second placing of the Renaissance Preparatory School ahead of third place Cowen Hamilton Secondary caused a major upset. Members of Cowen's parang group sat rooted to their seats, disappointment etched on their faces, as the results were announced. A well deserved first place was awarded to St Joseph's Convent, San Fernando.
Earlier on, during the first segment of the afternoon, Boy's Vocal Solo (13-15), adjudicator Dr Jan Harrington gave them an impromptu workshop on the clarity of lyrics. He spent about 20 minutes on stage, following the performance of the 15 competitors of The Dormouse's Carol by Poston, to give them lessons on their expressions, voice management, feelings and clarity of sound.
