Last Wednesday evening, the ‘Top of the World’ at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel echoed the beautiful sounds of music as the Glenmuir High School Choir had their album launch titled Spirit on Fire. The programme was scheduled to begin at 6:30 pm but was off to a late start as the patron for the evening the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, was stuck in parliament.

However, the late start wasn’t enough to quell the fire that blazed as the evening progressed. The internationally acclaimed Glenmuir High School Choir did not fail to impress the prestigious guests with their vocals as they had the crowd rocking to a medley entitled Believe, which included songs from Shaggy and Friends’ Save a Life and a ‘Tribute to Jimmy Cliff’.

Among the guests were representatives from the US Embassy, a member of the Nigerian High Commission and the ambassador for South Africa. Also seated among the guests was the Lord Bishop of Jamaica, The Right Reverend and Honourable Dr Alfred Reid and his wife. Deputy Chief Education Officer Clement Radcliffe OD, former principal of the school and Mikie Bennett of Grafton Studios were also present.

Past students definitely came out to show their support. Former Minister of Finance Dr Omar Davies, CEO of Headline Entertainment, Jerome Hamilton who helped in promotions and the distributions of the CD and Principal Director of Culture, Dr Sydney Bartley, artistic director for the school choir and host for the evening, were proud past students who attended. Not to be forgotten, were the school’s teachers who were moving about as they ushers guests to their seats and provided assistance where necessary.

The choir has won for the school numerous awards including the Marcus Garvey Award 2008 and 2009. From this achievement, the concept of the album was developed. The album was produced by past students Joel Edwards and Mark Bradford who owns the studio JE Productions. A variety of genres can be found on the album, including classical, spiritual, gospel, inspirational, folk, international and Jamaican pop, reggae, dancehall and Christmas songs. The album hosts eighteen tracks, two of which are original pieces, written by Joel Edwards and the other by Djenne Greaves and Ewan Simpson. The album also includes an instrumental piece and although most pieces are not original, many of the songs album were rearranged by Joel Edwards.

Head Boy Orane Edwards and Head Girl Sherona Forrester, president and vice-president of the choir respectively, praised Dorine O’Connor, coordinator for the performing arts at the school and vocal director for the choir, for the hard work and dedication she has put into the school’s overall performing arts groups. The choir has two Easter concerts on the fourth and 11th of April, one in May Pen and the other in Mandeville. Glenmuir High School’s album launch has left many anticipating what the school choir has next in store, as the album will be launched at the school on April 15, and will be available for only Ja $1000. All proceeds go in aid of the development of the choir.

Spirit on Fire is definitely a masterpiece. Great things are definitely expected from this phenomenal choir.