AGS team renders creative meld of six anthems to cop the top spot in Commonwealth Day pan competition
‘The Antigua Grammar School (AGS) emerged victorious in the Commonwealth Day 2023 Pan Playoff, staged on Monday, March 13.
The all-boys school copped the top spot in the event, which was organised by the Office of the Governor General and held at Government House in observance of Commonwealth Day.
The Antigua Girls High School (AGHS) and the Princess Margaret School (PMS) placed second and third, respectively.
According to a press statement from the British High Commission, the AGS team wooed the judges by creatively serenading them with six different national anthems from across the Commonwealth.
The winning piece was arranged by bass player Savio Williams. He says he fused the six anthems so that people can be reminded of the commonalities the member-nations share.
Savio says he is hopeful that the winning piece showcased the talents of the youth, as well as the role they can play in the future of the Commonwealth.
The AGS team also comprised triple-guitar player Keondré Athill; single-tenor player Gerai Hughes; Zhaveah Benjamin on the double tenor; Jaser Joseph, double second; Javier Spencer, double guitar; and Jireh George on the drumkit.
The winners will receive school equipment valued at $1,500 and the second- and third-placed groups will be gifted with $1,000 and $700 worth of school equipment, respectively.
In its statement in recognition of Commonwealth Day on Monday, the British High Commission identified youth empowerment as one of its primary objectives for this year and beyond.
