The Albert Town High School choir during an earlier performance. - Contributed

Five high school choirs took to the stage at last week's staging of Television Jamaica's (TVJ) All Together Sing, singing their souls out for the coveted championship title.

While St George's and Clarendon colleges were sent packing by the judges, the remaining schools, Albert Town, Mona, Manchester, Oberlin and Rusea's showed that they deserved to have reached this far in the competition with stellar performances.

Impeccable rendition

While Oberlin are the obvious favourites in the competition, Albert Town's impeccable rendition of Morgan Heritage's Gullyside was beyond heavenly, proving that the school is a worthy competitor. Guest judges Stephen Newland (Rootz Underground lead singer) and Tarrus Riley both lauded the school's delivery. Third judge, Dennis Rushton's response was no different.

After Mona High's rendition of To-Isis' Ghetto Pain, Rushton sent a clear warning to Oberlin, telling the school to be on the look-out as Mona's performance was well put together. Newland echoed similar comments, while Riley, commented: "Mi like it."

Manchester High fell a bit short on its delivery of a dancehall medley. Rushton likened sections of the school's rendition to being as sour as lime, while others reminded him of sugary sweetness. Newland added that the choir needed to tighten up a bit more while Riley gave the lead singer tips on how to better his delivery.

There was no questioning the beauty of Oberlin's performance. The music, the singing, the movement, the vibe were spot on from the get-go. As he said for the most of the performances, guest judge Riley, commenting on the school's presentation, said: "Mi like it." He continued that the delivery was joyful and that it was obvious that the choir 'full-joyed' (enjoyed) what they were doing.

Hearts of the judges

The last school to grace the stage was Rusea's High with their version of Shaggy's Bonafide. The school did not fall short in capturing the hearts of the judges, who all agreed that the song was well done.

In commenting on the day's performances, Riley, again, said he liked them. He said the choirs highlighted that Jamaica is laden with musical talent and he was glad to have been invited to the show. Newland said that all those who graced the stage got his endorsement as he enjoyed the singing that graced his ear throughout the day, while Rushton predicted the two teams that he believed would battle it out in the finals.