Seven Jamaican students who achieved distinction status in singing in the Royal Schools of Music (England) international examination made a courtesy call on Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen at King’s House recently.

The students, who were joined by Pauline Forrest-Watson and accompanist Clive Barber, performed some of their winning pieces for Sir Patrick and Lady Allen.

In April of this year, Forrest-Watson, who holds a Master of Fine Arts, prepared 10 students for the Royal Schools of Music Singing Examination, where she achieved the Most Outstanding Singing results. Of the 12 distinctions in singing awarded islandwide, eight were received by students groomed by Forrest-Watson, who teaches at the Edna Manley School of Music and at the University of Technology.

Two of her other students received commendable passes.

According to Forrest-Watson, the significant achievement can serve as motivation for other Jamaicans, particularly youngsters, some of whom are at the point of doubting their own God-given talents and abilities.

“I sincerely hope that achievements such as this, especially in a time of trepidation, will regenerate a sense of personal hope, national pride and dignity, as we emulate the good we see around us,” said Forrest-Watson. “We need to ponder continually, the words of our national pledge and anthem, in which lie our sense of conviction, courage and pride as a nation.”

In addition to the performance, Forrest-Watson also presented a copy of her book entitled Lah Lah Book of Sight Singing to the governor general and his wife.