June 24, 2016: A total of TT$40,000 is expected to be won by one lucky student who participates in the 2016 Patriotic Song Competition. The competition is being held by the Trinidad and Tobago Patriotic Song Committee with the theme, “For the Love of Country.”
The competition is open to soloist only and they must perform an original composition. It is open to all citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago who are registered students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Each primary school is allowed two (2) entrants, secondary schools three (3) entrants and tertiary level institutions five (5) entrants.
Contestants wishing to participate must register in advance through their schools using the official registration form or use the following link http://goo.gl/forms/qt81F8m4mzfSpu7c2. The deadline for registration is Friday 8th July, 2016.
Students will be judged on their lyrics, melody, arrangement, rendition, originality/compatibility and presentation. The first place prize is TT$40,000.00 (individual) and TT$10,000.00 (institution), TT$20,000.00 (individual) for second place and TT$5,000.00 (institution) and third place is TT$10,000.00 (individual) and TT$3,000.00 (institution). Special prizes will also be given to the best primary, secondary and tertiary contestants.
The preliminaries begin on 6th-9th September, 2016, with the semi-final rounds taking place on the 14th September. The grand finale takes place on 21st September, 2016.
Contestants are required to perform (maximum six minutes per song which entails both presentation and vocal performance) the song that they performed during all rounds of the competition. Only the live performance of the contestant will be judged, and no recorded lead vocals are allowed. Songs performed publicly (i.e. on electronic media and for competitions) prior to June 1st 2016 are not eligible for this competition.
The Trinidad and Tobago Patriotic Committee reserves the right to reject songs in which the lyrics are deemed to be indecent, obscene or defamatory. The contestant will be immediately notified of the reason/s for such rejection.
For more information please contact:
Corporate Communications Division
Ministry of Education
18 Alexandra Street
St. Clair
Port of Spain
Office:868.628.6769
Fax:868.628.2088