THE 10-member Ardenne Preparatory and Extension High School’s Lightning Drummers topped the Junior Instrumental category at the World Championships of the Performing Arts held recently in Long Beach, California.

The young drummers, whose ages range from eight to 10 years, secured victory after competing against teams from 60 other countries in the event dubbed the ‘Talent Olympics’. They walked away with 58 gold medals, six plaques and the Grand Championship Trophy. Their medal haul includes gold in the Instrumental, Open, and Original Works categories.

The institution also entered the Lightning Band, a group of guitarists, percussionists and keyboard players, who also secured gold medals for all their pieces in the semi-final round.

This is the second victory for the Ardenne drummers at the talent championships under the direction of drumming teacher Karen Davis.

In 2013, the Lightning Drummer also topped the Junior Group Instrumentalist category with a haul of 23 gold medals, four plaques and the Championship Trophy for Junior Instrumentalist Group.

An elated Davis said the team had been performing throughout the year, appearing at local events to help with fund-raising as well as honing their talent.

“I am proud of them. I know that winning at the World Championships will improve their self-confidence and help them to grow emotionally and succeed in other areas of their lives,” she said.

According to Davis, the mood in the camp is one of pride, joy and excitement.

For Coswell Duncan, Lightning Band coach, it was a good display of our talents on the world stage.

“I am happy with the high level of confidence demonstrated by our students. I went there wearing two hats; parent and instructor for the Lightning Band. There were challenges but we continued steadfastly. The concern was never about the talents, but rather about resources; Tisheecka Clarke (team coordinator) offered leadership in the area of fund-raising. For me it was an outright double victory,” he exclaimed.

Principal of Ardenne Prep School Reverend Myrtle Clarke is equally ecstatic about the performance of the teams.

“For us at Adrenne, nothing but the best is done here. My commendations are in order for my students, my parents who worked assiduously, all those who reviewed the pieces, our supporters and sponsors, and my teachers,” she said.

Noting that Jamaicans continue to prove themselves on the world stage, Rev Clarke said that the victory is not only encouraging for Ardenne, but for the entire country. “Despite our challenges we are achieving in many areas at home and abroad. The spotlight is on Jamaica and people are taking notice of our talents and abilities,” she stated.

She said that at a time when Jamaica is celebrating 54 years of Independence, and as our athletes head to the Olympic Games in Brazil, Jamaicans must unite around the good that is happening in our country.

Reverend Clarke also pointed to the link between music and academic performance. Studies have shown that some students who participate in music outperform their counterparts in several growth indicators. In some cases, they perform better academically, are more disciplined, and have a greater propensity for positive outcomes in life.

“I would encourage every parent to enroll their child in extra-curricular activities and in particular some form of music programme,” she stated.

Jamaica is a repeat winner at the Talent Olympics, having won Grand Champion Performer for the World in 2003, 2008, and 2015.