COBIS Music Festival 7-9th February 2025
Congratulations to the 25 Senior School pupils who attended the COBIS Music Festival in Qatar last weekend, joining over 200 children from 16 schools across the global COBIS network. BISAK was represented in the Vocal Ensemble, Instrumental Ensemble, Solo Piano, Battle of the Bands and Composition categories. It was a true team effort with all our pupils joining together to support each other and celebrate the joy of music.
We are delighted to announce that BISAK won the Instrumental Ensemble AND the Upper School Electronic Music Composition.
Le (Ricky) Lam submitted a fantastic electronic music composition which the judges commented on as an outstanding piece of music. Congratulations Ricky.
Our 10 piece Jazz Ensemble performed Henry Manciní’s, Pink Panther’ beating off competition from a number of schools including British School Bahrain and St Christopher’s to take the top spot! The judges commented on the lovely saxophone solo (Adrian) supported by tight harmonies from the clarinets and backed up by a solid rhythm section. The ensemble was commended for its great sense of jazz style and groove with lovely dynamic shape. A truly memorable performance. A well-deserved win.
In the Upper School Solo Piano category, Joyce Monzer gave a poised and lyrical account of Tchaikovsky’s “June” Barcarolle. The judges commented on her lovely phrasing and dynamics and the lyrical mood she created. Well done Joyce.
The Vocal Ensemble represented themselves wonderfully in a very strong category with stiff competition from 10 schools. Our 22 piece choir were praised for their energy and great sense of rhythm along with their smooth phrasing, beautiful singing and engaging stage presence by the judges. Special thanks to Mrs Sodeinde for all her help and support and for leading the vocal ensemble during their performance.
The Battle of the Bands was fiercely competitive and our 5 piece Rock Band held their own with a lively rendition of Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth”. They received great feedback from the judges for the amazing lead vocals (Marcelo) and lovely harmonies with a great stage presence. Judges commended the band for their overall blend with a strong driving bass, keys and kit.
Well done to all the pupils who were selected to participate in this year’s competition – you represented BISAK in the best possible way and we are so proud of you all.
Mrs Henderson and Mr Sodiende
