Clare
Yerya Zone has been crowned champion of the Virika Deanery Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) Competitions, held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Bukwali Parish Fort Portal City in celebration of 50 years of Small Christian Communities -SCC in the Deanery.
The event featured participants from seven parishes of Bukwali, Nyahuka, Bugombwa, Kyamatanga, Virika, Yerya, and Kanyamukale. Themed “Take Your Candle, Go Light the Whole World,” the competitions highlighted the contributions of Small Christian Communities to evangelization and the challenges families face in living out their faith.
Choirs fairly perform
Music adjudicator, Resty Nyakaisiki Mugisa, noted that several factors were considered in determining the champion. Despite some setbacks compared to previous years, the performances showcased significant talent.
Video: Virika Choir presents its original composition
“I have adjudicated all these Choirs before, but unfortunately I wonder why they repeat the same mistakes in their performances despite being told where to correct” Said Resty.
She explained that key criteria included vocal harmony and melody in original compositions, rhythm and theme in poetry, and stage presence in drama and traditional dance among others.
Yerya Triumphs in the Competitions
Bishop Muhiirwa announced Yerya Zone as the overall winner with 335 points, followed by Bugombwa with 277 points and Virika with 271 points.
Yerya Zone excelled in original composition (84%), poetry (87%), drama (79%), and traditional dance (85%). Bugombwa scored 68% in original composition, 71% in poetry, 54% in drama, and 84% in traditional dance. Virika achieved 61% in original composition, 62% in poetry, 67% in drama, and 85% in traditional dance.
Fr. Francis Bamanyisa, the Dean Virika, encouraged all choirs to learn from the adjudicators’ feedback and appreciate each other’s efforts. He announced that Yerya Zone would represent the Deanery at the upcoming Diocesan celebrations, with the date to be confirmed.
The Fort Portal Ordinary, praised the Dean, parish priests, and all participants for their active involvement and urged them to address the identified areas for improvement ahead of the Diocesan Celebrations. He also encouraged all Christians to continue engaging in the seven steps of the Small Christian Communities.
