Besides Live on Stage on Saturday, I also attended a performance of the Immaculate Conception High School’s Performing Arts department at the Ward Theatre. The first half of the show was set in an activity period led by an enthusiastic teacher with P.E. clad students sitting around being entertained by their fellow students.

The two and a half hour show received a standing ovation from the audience which, although comprised largely of family and friends of the students, was awarded a show well-worth their money. The night’s programme of solo, duet and chorale voice pieces, lively dances, entertaining poems and beautiful instrumental items stirred up thunderous applause at every opportunity.

After a particularly strong solo voice piece, the teacher declared “Yu tink yu can buy vice like dat a shop? Yu tink yu can buy it a street? Ah only Immaculate yu can come buy it!” I have to admit I was very impressed with the level of performances presented. Immaculate has invested a lot in developing the performing arts at their institution. One example is their music department which houses practice rooms, classrooms for theory lessons and a large performance space.

Notwithstanding, Immaculate still has work to do to create an all-round top-class performing arts curriculum. Right now their orchestra is at the top of the hierarchy, led by their artist-in-residence, Stephen Woodham. The others areas (such as dance and theatre) do not seem to be at the same level. And of course, my personal cause, the steelband is in desperate need of some direct attention.