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MORE than 300 students have this week been participating in a music and drama talent extravaganza hoping for glory in the Bahrain Young Performers Festival.
Heats started yesterday in the early years’ hall at the British School of Bahrain (BSB) and the grand final will be staged tomorrow evening in the sports hall at 6.30pm.
The festival has over 100 solo entries joining other budding musicians and actors competing at all levels aged from eight to 18.
Lydia Martin, festival co-ordinator and director of the BSB Academy of Performing Arts, said: “It is a celebration of talent which brings together students from 12 different schools and institutes throughout Bahrain.
“Although this is a competitive festival it is more than a competition, it is an opportunity for young people to gain experience as a performer, to show their family and friends their instrumental, vocal and dramatic achievements.
“Everyone who performs in this festival is a winner. Just by going on stage, students are putting themselves one step ahead.
“Remember, every day of your life is, in a way, a performance. When you speak in public you are performing and this kind of opportunity is there to give young people the confidence they need to succeed in all walks of life. Join us to celebrate the talents of the finest young performers in Bahrain all under one roof.”
In the instrumental categories young musicians will compete against students of a similar ability and skill level and will be judged on their overall ability to convey their piece of music and achieve a sense of performance.
Medals will be awarded for first, second and third place in the instrumental categories of Piano, Strings, Wind and Percussion.
The vocal category is divided according to the age of the singer as the vocal prowess of a young singer obviously improves greatly as the voice matures.
The winners of each solo category will then proceed to the Grand Final where trophies will be awarded to the Level 1 (approx. ABRSM Grade 1-3), Level 2 (approx. ABRSM Grade 4/5) and Level 3 (approx. ABRSM Grade 6 upwards).
As well as opportunities for solo performers the festival also offers three ensemble categories; Vocal Ensemble, Instrumental Ensemble and Rock Band. The Vocal Ensemble has entries as vast as a choir of 90 children to the harmonious sounds of a Barbershop Quartet.
In the drama competition students of a similar age will compete in the performance of monologues and duologues. This will be the first time such a competition has ever been held in Bahrain.
The winners of the ensemble and drama competitions will also perform their winning entry in the Grand Final which organisers say promises to be a musical treat for the audience.
l Tickets for the Grand Final are available at BSB Reception and on the door, priced BD2 but seats are limited.
