National Junior Parang Competition this weekend

BAVINA SOOKDEO

This weekend, the next generation of parranderos will take the spotlight at the much-anticipated National Junior Parang Competition, El Corazón de Parranda (The heart of parang) hosted by the National Parang Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

With partners such as Flavorite and the Ministry of Education, this two-day event, takes place at Holy Cross College, Arima. The primary school leg of the competition takes place from 9 am on November 16 and while the secondary schools will compete on November 17 also from 9 am.

Reigning champions Morvant Anglican (primary) and the combined group of Bishop Anstey High School Port of Spain and Queen’s Royal College (secondary) will return to defend their titles.

Joseph Bertrand, youth officer of the parang association said, “The competition will showcase the nation’s most talented young parranderos from both primary and secondary schools.”

Bertrand pointed out that the competition started since the 1990's and this year he saw an increase in the number of schools participating.

This year, schools will compete for cash prizes of $8000 for first place, $5000 for second, and $3000 for third, in both the primary and secondary school categories. Additionally, special awards will be presented exclusively to the students for Best Male Lead Singer, Female Lead Singer, Best Presentation, Best Marac, Best Box Base, Best cuatro and Best Dressed.

Each primary school will perform one song, while secondary schools will perform two songs in the competition. Judging criteria will include adherence to parang traditions and the aguinaldos, which feature themes like la Anunciación and el Nacimiento (the birth of Christ). Schools will also be evaluated on instrumental accompaniment, chorus and lead renditions, arrangement, versification, lyrics, and overall presentation.

Bertrand shared that this year’s competition has an added focus. “We are celebrating our icons in parang. This year, we are proud to honour Holly Betaudier Jr.”

“Each school was asked to select an icon and incorporate a presentation on that icon. This approach helps students not only learn the songs but also gain a deeper understanding of parang’s history and cultural roots.”

When asked about the support winners receive beyond the prizes and the competition, Bertrand said several activities are available outside the parang season.

“We’ve organised training sessions for different instruments, an initiative called Parang Practice, and workshops focused on Spanish language skills, as well as writing and composing parang music. These activities are specifically designed to engage and develop youth involvement in parang.”

Speaking on the interest in the competition, Bertrand said, “I have been the youth officer at the National Parang Association of TT for three years now and I came into the position managing out of the covid19 period when we had an online festival. That was amazing and well subscribed. Moving into the following year, we had the competition at CIC (St Mary’s College) and then at Bishop’s (Bishop Anstey High School) and this year we are in Holy Cross and the response has been amazing every time. There is a lot of interest. There has been an increase in the number of schools participating from last year to this year.”

Bertrand added, “At the beginning of the competition it was decided to involve the youths in parang and that has been the ethos throughout the entire lifespan of the junior parang competition – involving the youth in the traditions of parang. Over time, we’ve expanded to include other aspects of parang culture, such as the food, the traditional dress, and more. We’re also incorporating parang icons into the event and ensuring that the competition honours a specific icon each year."

Asked how the association plans to promote and preserve parang as a vibrant part of our cultural heritage through this competition, Bertrand explained, “This competition is seen as a vehicle for the preservation. It isn’t the end.” He noted that students have seven years in the school system and outside of that they move into either senior bands or they form their own bands.

“The National Parang Association of TT has a mandate of preserving and steering carefully, the evolution of parang so understanding there will be evolution to the tradition, however, maintaining the essence of the music and maintaining the essence of the culture of parang.”

As for the expansion of the competition to include international participants, Bertrand said, “We have two international schools that have been participating – La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre and the LLI International Bilingual School – and which are focused on the Venezuelan migrants, so there is the opportunity for expansion.”

Bertrand says he feels confident about the future of parang music in TT, particularly among the younger generation, “I see parang and the traditions of it in excellent hands. The youth population is very interested in understanding the tradition. Yes, there is the veering away from or playing other types of music within the Christmas season, however, they are very interested in the traditions and how they play a particular instrument etc. I believe the future of parang is in amazing hands with our youth.”

The public is invited the event which according to Bertrand “promises to be an unforgettable celebration of our rich cultural heritage as young parranderos compete for the top spots.”

The entrance fee is $60 for adults, $20 for children and admission is free for those under the age of seven. Food, drinks and instruments will be on sale.

The schools will appear in the following order:

Primary Schools – November 16

1. Sacred Heart Girls' RC

2. St Mary's AC

3. San Rafael RC

4. Paramin RC

5. Cumaca RC

6. St Patrick’s Newtown Girls’ RC

7. Nelson Street Boys' RC

8. St Peters RC

9. St Benedict's RC

10. Arouca Anglican

11. St Gabriel's Girls RC

12. International Bilingual School

13. Morvant Anglican

14. Tunapuna Government

15. Malabar Government

16. Belmont Boys' RC

17. Point Fortin RC

18. La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre

19. Arima Boys' RC

20. Tunapuna Boys' RC

21. Vance River RC

22. St Patrick’s Newtown Boys’ RC

23. Madras Government

Secondary Schools – November 17

1. Tunapuna Secondary

2. Trinity College Moka

3. La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre

4. Bishop Anstey Trinity College East

5. Arima North Secondary

6. International Bilingual School

7. St Mary's College

8. St Charles High

9. St Stephens College

10. St Francois Girls' College

11. Holy Name Convent, POS

12. Providence Girls' Catholic

13. St Joseph's Convent, St Joseph

14. Fatima College

15. St Joseph’s Convent, POS

16. Bishop Anstey and Queen’s Royal College

For more info call Joseph Bertrand at 354-4419.