Twillingate entrants impress adjudicators

TWILLINGATE - Individual performers and choirs from Twillingate continued to shine at the annual Gander Kiwanis Music Festival again this year. The Festival was held March 2-6.

Eleanor Cameron-Stockley, music teacher at Twillingate Island Elementary and responsible for their training, was understandably proud of the achievement of her charges.

"They were all outstanding," said Ms. Stockley. "I'm proud of all of them."

School choirs from Twillingate Island Elementary took four top awards with the Boys Choir receiving two accolades. They were voted "Best Performance-Elementary School Choir" and received a $100 Award, and also were selected as "Best Overall Choral Performance" receiving the Gander Shrine Club Award of an inscribed plaque and $250. The Primary Choir took the Ganova Award consisting of an inscribed plaque and $100 for "Best Performance - Primary School Choir." The school's Honour Choir received the "Best Performance for Choral Group" and an award of $100.

Individual performers saw three of Ms. Stockley's students receive multiple awards in the Junior Division with Shelby Stuckless winning the Junior Rose Bowl marking the first time, it is understood, that the distinction has been awarded to Twillingate. All three students - Shelby, Shelda Compton and Mikhail Ravalia - performed at the Royal Conservatory Grade Four Level and as winners in their concert groups were invited by adjudicators to perform at the Rose Bowl competition. Shelby, besides taking the Junior Rose Bowl and the accompanying $200, placed first in two competitions and a third in another. She was awarded Best Level Four Performer that carried with it a $50 prize.

Shelda received two plaques. The first was an award for Outstanding Stage Presence along with a cheque for $100, and an award for Best Performance - Concert Group Vocal accompanied by $50. Mikhail was recognized for Best Performance in Music of Newfoundland-Labrador ($50) and Best Performer Boys Vocal ($50). He also received the Most Versatile Performer of the Festival Award for Juniors and received $200.