SHUT DE DO

This video features students from Lavengamalie Christian College in Tonga as they performed for the school's annual inter-house competition in the year 2012.

The song known as "Shut de do" (shut the door) was originally arranged for an a cappella performance. The title of the song itself says a lot about the arrangement. It has a strong Jamaican vibe that blends really well into anyone with an island background.

Lavengamalie included a pop-reggae instrumental which provided their rendition with a bit more entertaining sound. Nothing much can be said on any details regarding dynamics because the vocals were powerful and balanced from the beginning to the end. The level of determination can be seen on the seriousness of their facial expressions, even so, the audience can still sense the excitement that comes with it. The creativity in the song arrangement prompted interchanges in between female and male vocals, especially in the chorus where the bass vocals would echo the lines of the other vocals. That fact alone brought forth a sense of diversity that obviously kept the audience entertained.



Lavengamalie Form 6, 2011

One of the strengths that can define any group of singers is their ability to work together. Although they may not have to sing in unison, they still have to work in unity. That strength was shown in this performance as all eyes stayed focused on the direction of the conductor despite the choreographed steps that they made.

However, perhaps the main downside to the performance was the presence of the music sheets. Preferably, a perfect performance should include the fact that lyrics should be memorized in order to avoid any interference or distraction caused by the papers. It can hinder the singer's focus on the conductor's direction as it was shown here in several moments throughout the performance, but most importantly, it displays lack of preparation.

Lavengamalie Form 4, 2011

Overall, it was indeed a job well done, not only because of the performance, but also because of the true motive behind the competition. The promotion of the gospel through music is none like other, especially when encouraged in school. Whether or not these students choose to pursue music as their career, they still have a strong foundation in knowing that after school, after their careers, after life, together with the assurance of their salvation in Christ, they will end up back to singing praises, except, by that time it will be in the Kingdom of Heaven. And who knows, if Heaven can take song requests, and as the gates closes in time for the celebration, we can all face the gates and sing it one more time "SHUT DE DO".