Top things to know
- More than 50 children will perform at the ‘Out of the Box’ showcase on 23 August at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre.
- The fourth annual Summer Singing Intensive is coached by Tessanne Chin and five experienced performance instructors.
- The free, public event aims to highlight youth talent and reinforce community support for music education in Jamaica.
Jamaican singer‑songwriter Tessanne Chin is set to close her fourth annual Summer Singing Intensive with a public showcase titled “Out of the Box”. More than 50 children, the largest group the foundation has ever hosted, will take the stage on Sunday, 23 August at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre inside the Ranny Williams Centre in St Andrew.
The intensive, which runs for several weeks, brings together young vocal talent from across the island for intensive coaching. Chin herself leads the program alongside a team of seasoned performance instructors – Evad Campbell, Lori Burnette, Diana Sancho, Victoria Taffe and Kelly Barrett – who work daily on vocal technique, stage presence and repertoire selection.
Participants have been rehearsing a diverse set‑list that blends Caribbean rhythms, contemporary pop and classic show‑tunes, reflecting the “Out of the Box” theme that encourages creativity beyond conventional boundaries. The finale will feature solo numbers, duets and a group medley, giving each child a chance to demonstrate the skills honed over the intensive.
The foundation’s summer camp has become a staple of Jamaica’s cultural calendar, offering a rare platform for children who might otherwise lack access to professional music training. By expanding to over 50 scholars this year, the program underscores Chin’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Caribbean artists.
The intensive also includes workshops on songwriting, rhythm, and microphone technique, as well as mentorship sessions where the children receive personal feedback from Chin. Parents are invited to observe progress during weekly open rehearsals, fostering a supportive environment that extends beyond the stage.
Since its inception, the Summer Singing Intensive has produced several alumni who have gone on to perform at local festivals and school concerts. This year’s “Out of the Box” showcase aims to build on that legacy by highlighting original compositions created by the participants themselves.
The Louise Bennett Garden Theatre, named after the celebrated Jamaican poet and folklorist, offers a 300‑seat auditorium with modern sound equipment, ensuring that the young performers are heard clearly. The Ranny Williams Centre provides additional backstage space for costume changes and warm‑ups.
The foundation receives support from local volunteers and donors who help cover costs of instruments, transportation and meals for the children, allowing participation to remain free of charge. Their involvement ranges from arranging transport to preparing refreshments for rehearsals.
Tickets are free and the showcase is open to the public, families and media. Organisers hope the event will draw a lively audience and inspire further community support for arts education. For more information, interested parties can contact the Tessanne Chin Foundation through its official social‑media channels.