22nd April 2022

Objectives: To encourage the students to participate and showcase their inner talents. Music is an integral part of education, as educators we should promote such events to improve the existing skills and discover new voices.

The Singing Competition was held on 22nd April 2022. The program was conducted by Dr Cindrella D'Mello and was organised at St. Teresa's Institute of Education for the FY & SY B.Ed students including the teaching and non-teaching staff. A number of students came forward to participate in the competition and to showcase their vocal talents. A total number of 16 students participated in the competition making it a memorable and heartwarming experience for all who were present. This year's competition was a memoir dedicated to the recently deceased legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar.

The program started at 9:30am, The host of the day Ms. Bruchelle Pereira who was dressed as her infamous character Mrs. Bolgode, began the event with an introduction of the Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar, her singing career, her milestones and her contributions to the Indian Music Industry. Throughout the event, glimpse of Lata Mangeshkar's life was shown to the audience.

The competition started with the General Secretary of the SY's Upassana Sanghvi, introducing the two honorary judges, Ms. Sarita Manchanda and Ms. Sharon Menezes, both of them having a wide range of expertise in singing, it was truly an honour to have them critique the competition. The participants were introduced and given serial numbers which would help them to know in what order they'll be performing. The rules were explained to them and the competition took off.The competition consisted of two categories, Solos and Duets and in each category, they included two more sub categories which were Indian classical (Hindi) and English songs. 8 participants for Solo (English) and 7 participants for Solo (Hindi). Moving on to the Duets, 3 pairs for English Duets and 4 pair for Hindi Duets.

All the participants showcased their vocal mastery with their beautiful voices and adequate ranges. They chose many heartwarming songs including many of Lata Mangeshkar's. Some went for a more romantic genre of songs, while some went for energetic songs that would make the audience dance along to the beat. Overall, every performer gave their personal best on the stage and the performances came to an end.

Now it was time for the judges to evaluate the performances and choose the winners for each categories. The judges were provided a different room to discuss and come up the results of the competition. Dr Cindrella D'Mello, took charge of the stage and came up with a little game that she prepared to entertain the audience. In the game, she played songs which were dedicated or related to a particular faculty member or particular scenario that the audience members could relate to. For example, for Cerena ma'am the song that was chosen was "Ye kaali kaali Aankhen" and everyone was encouraged to sing along. This was the highlight of the day as it brought so many laughter into the room and lit up so many faces.

The judges were back with the results, but before revealing the winners, the judges harmonized their voices and gave a wonderful rendition of the song "My Stranger". They both performed a solo song for the crowd, "What a wonderful world" sung by Ms. Sharon and "Wonderful tonight" sung by Ms. Sarita. They gave an insight on what they heard and observed throughout the competition, they gave their critical perspectives of the performances and enlightened all the participants on what parts they should work on and improve, and also congratulated and appreciated them all for their participation and courage. The judges also gave appreciation to the host for her humourous jokes throughout the program.

The winners of the competition are as follows : Solo (English) (1)- Sister Elvina D'souza (SY)__(2) Ryall Jacob (FY)__ (3) Srishti Nangalia (SY).
Solo (Hindi) (1) Tanavi Pitale (SY)__(2) Salwa Jumai (SY)__(3) Melita D'souza (FY)
Duet (English) (1) Sister Elvina D'souza & Sister Cinthiya Bavighar (SY)
Duet (Hindi) (1) Tanavi Pitale and Samantha D'mello (SY)__(2) Srishti Nangalia and Rohini Save (SY)
No event in STIE is truly completed without a vote of thanks, for this the SY student Pearl Gomes came forward and thanked the judges for their presence, congratulated all the winners and also thanked all the participants for their efforts and participation. She also thanked the teachers and Sister Tanuja Waghmare, for giving the students a platform to encourage and discover their inner Nightingales and lastly she thanked the audience for always being supportive and attentive. She also thanked the lady behind the curtains, the technical assistance for the day Sweven Rebello. Last but not the least, she thanked our co-ordinator of the program Dr Cindrella D'Mello for her efforts and encouragement.