More than 100 students from primary and secondary schools across the Cayman Islands showcased their award-winning pieces during final concerts for the 42nd annual National Children’s Festival of the Arts.
A staple of the Cayman Islands’ arts calendar since 1982, the festival puts a spotlight on the talent of public, private and homeschool students across a variety of disciplines.
Hosted by the Department of Education Services, adjudications were held in February through early April, with finalists chosen from some 170 entries from public and private schools, home schools and music schools.
A two-day final showcase for Grand Cayman primary school students was held at Harquail Theatre on 10 and 11 April, featuring some 16 performances, including dance, speech, choir, large and small vocal ensembles, and instrumental solo performances.
Among the standout acts were Theoline McCoy Primary School students, performing a traditional folk group dance, entitled ‘Pearl of the West Indies’. Their performance earned them the first-ever NCFA platinum award last year. Attendees were moved by Cayman Academy’s modern/contemporary solo dance performance, entitled ‘Yet by the King Will Come’.
Secondary and primary school winners of Cayman Brac’s NCFA entries also performed during a final concert held on 5 April, following adjudications held in March.
Cayman Brac students’ adjudications resulted in two receiving gold awards, six earning silver and six awarded bronze.
Grand Cayman secondary students’ adjudications resulted in 48 gold, 67 silver and 39 bronze awards. Secondary school students performed in a final concert held in March.
Kimberly Kirkconnell, senior customer service manager at the Department of Education Services, noted in a press release, “The high level of participation reflects the enthusiasm and support for the arts in the Cayman Islands. It’s a true testament to the dedication and talent of our young performers.”
DES Director Mark Ray told the Cayman Compass, “The NCFA final concerts were a dazzling display of the talent, hard work and dedication of the students, staff and instructors who contributed to the performances.”
Ray added, “Our on-going focus on Cayman culture and creativity has borne fruit by way of visually striking and locally relevant performances from our students.”
