THERE is something uniquely fulfilling about sitting a final exam. For the final year degree and diploma students at the Edna Manley College’s School of Music, the stage was their paper, the instruments were their pen and the School of Music auditorium was their examination room. So for seven days the 11 talented graduands gave excited performances with six principal instruments. Final Year Music Show 2010 delivered the anticipated high quality performances that attract scores of patrons every year but this year music enthusiasts were treated to much more. The first cohort of music degree students co-ordinated phenomenal shows that were not only well choreographed but seamlessly packaged and served hot to the anxious hungry audience.

But what makes this production such a successful annual event? Is it the ironic passionate rendition of aged songs by young musicians, as in the case of diploma (keyboard) student Stephen Maxwell who delivered his Jazz set with much of the same vigour as his forefathers did? Perhaps it is the diverse musical selection offered in both Kumar Bent’s and Jhevan Mair’s (diploma voice students) concerts. Favourites among these were Babyface’s Nobody Knows It But Me and Neyo’s hit song Closer by Mair and songbird Adele’s To Make You Feel My Love by Bent. Whatever the reason, the musical marathon never disappoints.

Tuneful brilliance

The trumpet is often seen as a ceremonial or militant instrument; however, the skilful handling of diploma student Chaneil Christian demonstrated that the trumpet is a versatile instrument especially when he led his reggae and dancehall set and an original ska composition, which received just as much applause as his catchy tribute to Luis Armstrong entitled When the Saints Go Marching In.

The voice is an instrument with measured potency and Sarina Constantine (degree student) used her instrument to command the attention of her audience on the third night of performances. Her soulful renditions of I Who Have Nothing originally sung by Shirley Bassey and a customised version of Alicia Keys’ New York entitled Kingston as well as her original song entitled Never Again adequately proved this. Her white backdrop bore the golden sparkling letters S-A-R-I-N-A and when she was through it became the lingering chant of the audience.

For those who wanted an evening of easy listening jazz and blues they received a triple treat on the penultimate night of performances. Three masterful guitarists thrilled the attendees with great hits such as John Legend’s I Will Stay With You, by (degree student) David Raby assisted by his wife, Soul Flight by Adrian Maitland and These are a Few Of My Favourite Things by Nigerian degree student, Mfonabassi Udosen. Although they performed in a sequential pattern (Raby and Udosen leading with bass and Maitland with guitar) their stylistic differences were apparent and thoroughly appreciated. Raby pulled from a contemporary library of hits, while Udosen’s warm, dark, growling bass gave an electric flair to Pressure’s Reggae hit single Love and Affection. Maitland’s performance reflected his calm skilful demeanour, passion and self motivation which were all inspired by famous guitarist Charlie Christian. All together they were a smooth, charming trio.

Spectacular showcase of talent

The most memorable performances incorporated all aspects of what was learnt in the tenure at the College and is often met with standing ovations and a sea of “thumbs ups” and verbalised indications of satisfaction. Degree student Joan Phillips (voice major) achieved this. Her show which is best described as a dynamic musical package accented with film, dances, philharmonic numbers, bouncy techno, pop hits and even an ensemble piece -all directed and produced by her. In addition to her original pieces, she performed Beyonce’s Radio, Usher’s More and Assassin’s Han’ Up Inna Di Air. Phillips even sang songs in four different languages (Spanish, Italian, African and English).

Creating musical history

The sole drummer on the line-up will not only be remembered for his upbeat and electrifying performance but for also adding his chapter to Jamaican musical history. Peter Samaru is the first musician to be awarded a Bachelors Degree in drumming in Jamaica. Samaru’s and masterful playing enchanting delivery of vintage Reggae or what he calls “real good music” won him the admiration of his cheering audience. The College hopes that Samaru’s achievement as well as those of the others will motivate current and prospective students to be inspired and surpass perceived musical barriers.