An impressive Belmont Academy received the top score of the second of preliminary round of the Jamaica Best School Band (JBSB) competition held at Glenmuir High in Clarendon last Thursday.

The Westmoreland-based contingent stood out with their rendition of Judgement Day by Raging Fyah, and with very good transitions to each song after.

Another five schools performed for judges Lloyd Parks and trumpeter Vivian Scott. They included first-time entrants and host Flagrans Band of Glenmuir High. However, it was another first-timer, Sour Sop Band of Papine High, who was the first to elicit loud cheers from the audience with its rendition of Bill Withers’ Ain‘t No Sunshine.

Belmont Academy, who was late, performed when most of the audience and other schools had left but was the most impressive, according to judges.

Quarter-finalists are as follows: Belmont Academy, 45 points; Papine High, 37 points; York Castle High, 36 points; Glenmuir High, 36 points; Enid Bennett High, 34 points; Alpha Institute, 32 points; Mona High, 31 points; and Foga Road High, 22 points.

St Jago High did not show and Kingston High was eliminated from the competition.

Quarter-final and semi-final rounds are set for Sunday, April 7, 2019 at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston. Start time is scheduled for 1:00 pm.

This season’s winners will receive recording and production of their original song and a music video courtesy of Irie Yutes Records; instruments from Music Mart, trophies from Royale Trophies, and make a guest appearance at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) courtesy of Alpha Studios.

The sectional categories are: Most Disciplined Band, Most Improved Band, Most Outstanding Performer (male and female), Band with Best Image; and Best Band Leader.

Last year’s winner was Seaforth High in St Thomas.

— Basil Walters