'Best of the Best' Instrumental Showcase Strikes a Chord

JCChalmers Hall filled with anticipation as the stage was set for the much-awaited 'Best of the Best' Instrumental Showcase. The talented finalists took their positions, ready to captivate the audience with their extraordinary musical abilities. This event marked the grand finale of the Boys' School instrumental competition, where participants poured their heart and soul into their performances. Miss Mary Lin, Head of Music at the College, assumed the pivotal role of adjudicating the performances.

The competition was divided into two categories: the Junior division, open to students in Years 3–6, and the Senior division, exclusively for the Years 7 and 8 students. As an interlude between the two finals, the Performers’ Choir entertained the audience by singing the upbeat ‘Four Chords’ with twenty-one excerpts of songs in two minutes.

With auditions open to those who had reached Grade 3 and above, a staggering number of over seventy talented students vied for a coveted spot in the finals. After a rigorous selection process, eleven individuals emerged as finalists.

Among the talents, it was violinist Boyi Yujin who emerged as winner in the Junior category. His mesmerising rendition of ‘Polish Dance’ by Edmund Severn left the audience spellbound. In the Senior category, it was skilful cellist Ryan Yeh who claimed top honours with his sensational interpretation of ‘Allegro Appassionato’ by Saint Saëns. Ryan's seasoned musicality and captivating stage presence resonated deeply with the audience, a testament to his many hours of practice and performance.

The Boys' School 'Best of the Best' Instrumental Showcase was a masterclass in the dedication, passion, and talent of these remarkable young musicians. To perform in front of peers, teachers, and parents with such confidence at this age bodes well for their futures. Miss Lin encouraged them to continue in their crafts, hoping to see them thriving in the College music programme in a few short years.