DESPITE Sunday evening’s 40-minute blackout, there were spectacular performances at Calabar High’s 8th annual Evening of Musical Excellence held at the school’s chapel on Red Hills Road in Kingston.

Principal Albert Corcho said he was pleased with his students as well as the support from the other choirs.

“Part of our focus at Calabar is to continue the development of the boys in sports and in other areas… to satisfy a wide cross section of our students. This evening we showcased the musical side of Calabar High School,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The visiting choirs — Kingston College (KC), Jamaica Choral Scholars, Jamaica Constabulary Force and St Jude’s Anglican Church as well as Bethel Baptist Steel Band all gave amazing performances.

“It’s perfect that we can collaborate with Kingston College. Events like this provide a platform for the boys to display their musical talents together,” said Corcho.

Both Calabar and KC Chapel choirs blended in perfect harmony.

Jamaica Choral Scholars’ Sasheika Brown joined the Calabar Choral as the lead solois, providing an amazing twist in the rendition of

Ride the Chariot.

Calabar’s choir director, Morris Ellington, said he was pleased with the school’s music programme and was grateful for the support from the Old Boys and Parent-Teachers Asscoiation.

“Every year the show gets better and we aim to improve the standards as we progress. The boys are excited and look forward to it,” he said.

The duo of Shemore Cooper and David Robinson, Calabar choir members and Jamaica Observer’s TeenAge Expression Tour finalists, said being part of the group helped with their confidence.

Kingston College Choir, clad in their purple jackets, complemented by bow ties, gave astounding performances. Most memorable was their delivery of Revelation 19, led by Samuel Paul-Hinds.

“Traditionally, it has always been about sports. This time around, the musical talents of the boys were highlighted, with some of our athletes also on the choir. The initiative was a wonderful gesture by both Kingston College and Calabar choirs, and the boys benefited from the camaraderie,” said Audley Davidson, KC choir master.

— Kesi Asher