The top ten choirs in the STAR sponsored TVJ's All Together Sing choir competition did not disappoint on Sunday night.

The theme, 'Jamaican or Caribbean Folk' was, for the most part, well executed and the choirs who survived last week's voting session put on a commendable show.

St. James High School was the first to grace the stage with a revival medley. Dressed for the part in bandana, the choir gave a lively rendition of favourites like Daniel Saw the Stone and Hallelujah. The dance moves were fitting and, in general, the choir had a pleasant tone. Guest judge Marjorie Whylie, head of the University of the West Indies' Music Department, said, "I enjoyed it, but I was hoping that the 'mother woman' would interact with the group and not be there on her own."

'Knibbing' away

William Knibb High School was next with a folk medley. Their costumes, however, turned out to be the best part of their performance, as their rendition needed more energy. The transitions between the various songs were also very rough. Judge Dennis Rushton told the choir, "It seems as if you didn't eat enough yam dis morning, cause you're 'knibbing' your way out of dis competition."

The choir voted into the top spot last week was Cornwall College and they showed why they deserved this position, with a brilliant 'poco medley'. The lead singer commanded the audience's attention from the very first note and the transitions between the songs were flawless. Good drumming also helped.

Last year's second-place winners, Aabuthnott Gallimore High sang Buggy Bruck. The choir was backed by an effective band and the performance was lively and entertaining. The costumes were fitting and the portrayal of the various characters in the 'country setting' was good. Dennis Rushton said he "was truly entertained, both from the visual and the melodic", while Marjorie Whylie said the performance had a "lovely blend of sound and music".

The girls from Bishop Gibson High School were next, in true Jamaican colours. They did a 'market medley' with songs such as Linstead Market and their arrangement was rather unique and creative. The voices blended well and their choice of songs was good.

Creative rendition

With a very creative and dramatic rendition of Bad Minded People, the Glenmuir High Choir provided comedic relief. The choir demonstrated a strong ability to improvise and the arrangement was very creative.

Bog Walk High School's rendition of Wutliss Gal was not their strongest performance. The female lead singer went off pitch in many parts, but the costumes were colourful and the choir tried to make the presentation lively. Rushton cited pitch and tempo problems as the main flaws of the performance.

The choir from St. Catherine High arrived in full revival gear. Their transitions were well executed, their moves were in keeping with the folk theme and the performance, overall, was credible. "You're performance was very convincing. I was completely engaged in what you were saying," Marjorie Whylie told the choir after their performance.

Last year's favourites, Vauxhall High, did the folk favourite Liza and did a good job. The choir had a smooth, melodic sound and the lead singer had a clear and pleasant voice.

Papine High's 'revival' medley was a hit with the judges, who all thought their performance was very believable. The choir was very lively and full of energy and performed such songs as Jerusalem Schoolroom.