by Alphonsa Ohol for BIS Mumbai

“Music is the universal language of mankind, a bridge between hearts and minds."

On September 20, 2024, Solo Singing Competition was held as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco High School, Yerwada. The event was divided into two sections: a competition for the School’s Junior and Senior categories, followed by the college students from the Arts, Commerce, and Science streams. Both sections highlighted the school’s rich musical talent and commitment to fostering creativity in students.

The school-level competition took place first, featuring 23 participants across two categories: Junior (Standards 5-7) and Senior (Standards 8-10). 

The Judges for the competition were Ms. Schuzelle Fernandes, an IT Engineer who has a great passion for music, and Mr. Ryan Fernandes, a Mechanical Engineer who runs his own YouTube channel and is actively involved in the church choir.

In the junior category, Siona Brahmane from Class 6B delivered an exceptional performance, securing the first prize. A tie for second place was shared by Angel Sakhare and Allwyn Pacharne, both from Class 7A, while Piyush Thube from 6A took the third prize.

In the Senior category, Abigail John from 10A took first place with a captivating performance, followed by Samuel Chokandare from 9B, who won second place, and Afsheen Jamadar from 10C, who secured third place. Both the judges commended the students for their talent and dedication. The Principal, Fr. Crispino D’Souza, encouraged the students to continue engaging in music and choir activities, appreciating the efforts of both the participants and the organizers.

Following the school section, the College-level competition commenced at 11:30 am in the School Hall, where 24 students from the Arts, Commerce, and Science streams participated. The  Judges for this event were Br. Edward, a Diocesan Seminarian, and Ms Shristi Salve, an Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Engineer. The competition was hosted by the lively anchors Emon Anthony and Akansha, who brought energy and excitement to the event.

Participants had the choice to perform with Karaoke or play an instrument. They were judged on Presentation, Voice Quality, Confidence, Choice of Song, and Overall Effect, totaling 50 points. After an intense round of performances, Felicita Nancy from XII Sci A claimed the first place with a stunning performance. Amos Sakare from XII Com secured the second position, while Joshua Gaikwad from XII Com A earned third place. The programme concluded with a surprise performance by the judges and Teachers Percious Rajan and Lara Fernandez. The winners were presented with certificates by the judges and the Principal.

The Solo Singing Competition ended with the distribution of certificates and a vote of thanks. The event not only showcased the remarkable talent of our students but also fostered a sense of community and celebration among participants, teachers, and guests alike. As the day came to a close, the echoes of music lingered in the air, reminding everyone of the power of creativity and the importance of nurturing young talent. This competition was a testament to the vibrant musical culture at Don Bosco High School, inspiring students to continue exploring their artistic passion.