A section of the Vauxhall High School choir perfom 'Lift

Gospel, spirit-filled renditions took centre stage at TVJ's All Together Sing on Sunday night.

Most impressed the judges who expected convincing and good performances. The show started with Cornwall College who did an acapella performance of 'I'm gonna sing till the spirit moves in my heart'. Their performance earned rave reviews from the judges, but they were also encouraged to make the harmony less monotonous and to be more convincing.

Glenmuir High was next also with an acapella performance of "Joshua fit the Battle of Jericho". The song was a rich blend of female voices complimented by male bass and baritone. The judges loved it too but encouraged the males to be more involved in the performance and fix their key problems.

William Knibb did the first reggae gospel song and a convincing performance it was. Singing, 'We Nah bow', the choir encourage teens not to give into peer pressure. Lileth Sewell was very touched by the performance." I feel like crying, jumping, worshipping. The soloists made me feel like they had the experience, the staging was simple and effective," she said.

The only all girl's school choir, Bishop Gibson High, performed 'A Gospel Medley' which was a mixture of gospel reggae, hip-hop gospel and traditional gospel songs. The judges all agreed that the beginning was shaky, but they got better as the song progressed. "I said I loved you but I lied because is more than love I feel inside," Dennis Rushton, one of the judges said.

St. James High were a bright bunch from clothes to song. Wearing black bottoms with bright multi-coloured tops they were definitely prepared to do their rendition of 'Lovely day medley'.

Vocal control

The judges also thought their performance was a good attempt. "You guys you're doing well. Love the vocal control but the transition between the songs could be better," Prodigal Son, the guest judge said.

The penultimate performance came from Vauxhall High who topped the voting for the previous week. They seem set to take the top spot once again as after their rendition of 'Lift Up Your Heads' the judges were speechless.

Vauxhall had them so into the performance that the good reviews just kept coming and coming. "It was awesome. The soloist was so good that tears came to my eyes," Lileth Sewell said.

Golden note recipients St. Catherine High rounded off the top seven. The grateful bunch continued to maintain the high standards that lead judges to return them to the competition, doing 'My Soul'.

When it ended the judges were totally impressed. "I am not sure if the choir director is a Christian but indeed you guys are grateful. The vocal quality was excellent. It sounds good," Prodigal Son told the choir.

Up Your Heads' duirng TVJ's All Together Sing on Sunday. - Francine Black