The experiment that worked

Seven vocalists and a pianist from Jumeirah College got together at their teacher's urging for the 2006 Young Musicians of the Gulf competition. And they won!

Claim to fame: Cantabile, a group of seven vocalists and a pianist from Jumeirah College, Dubai, won the 2006 Young Musicians of the Gulf trophy for the best ensemble in the Chamber Music category. They beat 14 other groups with their rendition of Water of Tyne, an English folk song.

The Young Musician of the Gulf competition is held every year in Bahrain and brings together young musicians and vocalists from the region.

What does Cantabile mean: It is an Italian term for a singing style. Why was it chosen as the name of the group? "It is unique and very clever and represents a very high level of technical skill. Most musicians hearing the name would know what the term means and appreciate it," says group member Faye Hill.

What gave the team the edge over competitors: Put it down to the fact that the members listened to each other and came across as more of a group.

"We were a young team, only a few of us are trained, the rest pursue it more as a hobby," says Faye. "We've all taken our GCSEs in music. All of us go to the same school and are all friends, so it's easy to join together in one voice.

"And except for Olga on the piano, all of us were singing. Other groups had musical instruments; so when we came on stage we were different."

When did they get together: Just before last Christmas, says Faye. And the credit for team formation goes to Elizabeth Mummery, musical director and head of music, Jumeirah College.

Most of the students, who eventually came together to form Cantabile, were already entered in the solo category of the Bahrain competition.

Mummery suggested that since all of them were going anyway, they should get together as an ensemble. "It was a bit of an experiment," says Faye. "And Ms Mummery encouraged us to go for it."

Other performances: The team came together to form Cantabile specifically for the Young Musicians of the Gulf competition. But since then they have performed at a number of public venues including the Madinat amphitheatre in Dubai and for Prince Michael of Kent.

Their style: Very varied, says Faye. "Soon after we won in the Chamber Music category in Bahrain, we did a show at the Madinat - the Broadway musical Westside Story. We don't have one distinct style."

Music to them: It is a way of expressing that which cannot be expressed though dialogue. It's an emotional outlet and an inspiration to us all, says the team.

Signing off: Faye Hill, the eldest member in the team and unofficial team leader, is in her last year at school and is moving to England to study music. 

"Although I won't be there for next year's competition, Tanya will take my place to ensure that Cantabile returns."

On the record: "The team is grateful to Ms Mummery for bringing out our talent. If it hadn't been for her we couldn't have sung like we did," says Faye.

Teacher's Byte: Elizabeth Mummery, musical director and head of music, Jumeirah College says: "I knew our group was good, but you have no idea about the competition you are up against and you don't wish to hope too much."

Mummery believes the group's performance and their well-coordinated look worked to their advantage. "We discussed what to wear so much; we wanted something dressy, and settled on predominantly black and added turquoise pashmina stoles."

Prospects Next year: "There's a buzz now that we have come back with the cup. Many students have shown interest including boys," says Mummery. "So next year we'll have Cantabile joined by a small group of boys and maybe a boy's ensemble as well."

Meet the team
Yasmeena Daya, 16
Grade: 12
Instruments: Piano and vocals
Alex Phillips, 16
Grade: 12
Instruments: Piano and vocals
Catriona Mackenzie, 17
Grade: 12
Instruments: Piano, vocals and saxophone
Faye Hill, 18 (the eldest among the members and unofficial team leader)
Grade: 13
Instruments: Flute, vocals and bass guitar
Emma Kennedy, 17
Grade: 11
Instruments: Vocals and guitar
Olga Van Ravesteyn, 17
Grade: 12
Instruments: Piano
Sara Smylie, 13 (the youngest member)
Grade: 9
Instruments: Violin and vocals
Patricia Jackisch, 17
Grade: 12
Instruments: Vocals, piano, saxophone and flute