Vocalist takes young musician title

(CNS): Isabella Rooney of Cayman Prep & High School has won the 4th Annual Butterfield Young Musician of the Year Award. The young vocalist won over the judges to beat Shanique Ayres from John Gray High School who took 2nd place and Kenroy Millwood of Nicole Bodden’s Studio. This year’s competition showcased a variety of strong musical talent. The top three young musicians received cash awards of CI$500, CI$300, and CI$100.  During the awards ceremony all twelve student competitors performed as well as the two guest judges, pianist Glen Inanga and violinist John McLaughlin Williams.

“The NCFA Committee appreciated the great interest that Butterfield showed in establishing standards of participation and promoting the competition. The Butterfield ad that was specifically designed for the programme was beautiful and the statement “We are committed” helped us to believe that our efforts are not in vain,” said the Ministry of Education’s Angela McLaughlin. “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all teachers/private tutors and parents who took the time to prepare the students. The children’s performances confirmed that teachers and parents showed great interest in our young vocalists and instrumentalists.”

Sheree Ebanks, a director at Butterfield congratulated the young musicians. “Seeing the level of such amazing talent in our youth truly inspires us to continue supporting this great award. At Butterfield, we take pride in enriching our community and supporting arts and culture in the Cayman Islands,” she said.