THE 2023 GREAT CHRISTMAS CAROL-OFF WRAPS UP WITH WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS PLUS UNEXPECTED ADDITION OF $5K PRIMARY SCHOOL CATEGORY PRIZE FOR YOUNGER CONTESTANTS
(St, George’s, Bermuda – December 15, 2023 ) – The Great Christmas Carol-Off, a highlight of Skyport’s slate of holiday festivities at the LF Wade International Airport, wrapped up on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Today, Skyport announces three winners of The Great Christmas Carol-Off, a musical competition between twenty groups from eighteen schools that unfolded beneath Bermuda’s Biggest Christmas Tree. In an unexpected move, President Aaron Adderley introduced a second Grand Prize Winner category for Primary Schools to ensure outstanding performances from across the junior and senior age divisions could be recognised.
Aaron Adderley said, “The Great Carol-Off performances lit up the terminal, and we were delighted by the energy and enthusiasm from groups across the age spectrum. It was clear that the various schools and groups invested significant effort into each presentation. We knew that we would have to find a way to honour the performances of the best junior performers in a category separate and apart from those of the extraordinary senior and middle school students. We are thrilled to be able to add this special prize today.“
Bermuda Institute’s Senior Choir, directed by Owen Simons, emerged as the overall grand prize winner with a flawless score that elicited a thunderous response from departing passengers and a jam-packed audience at the end of their performance on Thursday. Meanwhile, the newly introduced primary school grand prize was secured by Northlands Primary Choir, which delivered an energetic fifteen-minute performance directed by Terry Henry on Monday. Warwick Academy’s Middle School Choir earned the runner-up prize for their dynamic performance orchestrated by music teacher Deanna Friesen.
The judging panel, led by Chief Judge Dale Butler, alongside Choir Director Michelle Doars and Skyport Representative Tusha Stovell, employed a comprehensive grading matrix encompassing aspects of harmonic prowess, creativity, Christmas spirit, and professionalism to determine the winners. Skyport’s finance team tabulated the scores and verified the final prize allocations.
Skyport has pledged over $100k annually to support Bermuda’s youth as part of its corporate giving framework. The Great Christmas Carol-Off was initiated to support Bermuda’s school music programmes and nurture the country’s musical talent
President Aaron Adderley expressed, “As our second annual school musical presentation, we are thrilled at the growth and the incredible community response. We Initiated the competition fund to fortify support for schools’ music programs, aligning with our dedication to community and social responsibility, especially in endorsing STEAM initiatives for youth. Research has shown the powerful impact of music education on the social, academic and social development of young people, and we are proud to provide this platform to support even the smallest musical programme or after-school choir club to flex their musical muscles. “
The event saw a full house each day, welcoming enthusiastic audiences comprising parents, grandparents, residents of senior care homes, and students from island preschools. The overwhelming community support emphasised the importance of nurturing the arts in Bermuda.
Nikki Fagan, Head of Brand Development and Communications, added, “Each school was amazing as the hundreds in attendance, positive sentiment and thousands of views on our social platforms can attest. The community’s remarkable support underscores the value of the arts and our young people to Bermuda. We eagerly anticipate expanding this initiative further in 2024. Congratulations to the Ministry of Education, all the schools, students, and their parents for their outstanding contributions. Skyport looks forward to continuing its commitment to youth with an exciting slate of Skyport-supported initiatives starting in March 2023.”
The People’s Choice Award, valued at $1,200, runs until December 31, 2023, and relies on community voting to select the most popular performance group. The three winners chosen by the judges, Bermuda Institute, Northlands Primary and Warwick Academy Middle School, will be ineligible for the People’s Choice cash prize. Should they get the most votes, the next eligible group will be named the People’s Choice winner. Performances can be seen on bernews.com
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