success both locally and internationally.

And when asked about the secret of his students' success, choir director John Woolridge proudly responded: "They love to sing and I love kids that love to sing ... it's a perfect match.'' Members of the choir echoed his sentiments, and expressed their appreciation for a director who seems to bring out the best in his students.

Choir vice-president Chickaya Darrell, an 18-year-old, fifth-year student, said: "Mr. Woolridge is a good man, and we all love him ... he pulled money out of his own pocket to support the choir.'' The CedarBridge gospel choir has about 60 participating students who, according to Mr. Woolridge, were responsible for "the lion's share of the work''.

About 36 of the students make up the CedarBridge show choir which has recently received accolades for their outstanding performance in an American competition.

The choir earned first-place honours in the show category in the "Music in the Parks'' competition held at Six Flags theme park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Despite the success in competition, Mr. Woolridge emphasised the importance of the choir's national assessment rating. "We received the second highest on a national rating -- `Excellent' -- which is one rating below `Superior','' he said.

Rather than resting on the choir's laurels, Mr. Woolridge is looking to improve the choir's weak spots so their overall national rating will improve in next year's event.

"The choir's strengths were definitely their talent and their vocal ability,'' Mr. Woolridge said.

"Per capita, Bermuda seems to have a lot more raw talent ... our kids were just hands-down better performers.

"However, our kids also have less knowledge of competitive events and less exposure in general.

"American students are exposed to a panorama of theatrical events, from Shakespearian plays to celebrity concerts.

"That sort of savvy is a distinct advantage,'' he added.

"Also, we didn't have a lot of backdrops, sets, and costume changes because we had to raise a lot of money just to be there,'' said Mr. Woolridge.

Twenty-year-old choir member Candiece Darrell told The Royal Gazette that the choir's success came as a surprise. "We didn't go out there expecting to win,'' she said. "But we showed them Bermuda's got talent.'' The students credit strong spiritual connections and close-knit friendships for the entire group's hard work and dedication.

"There's so much love in the choir. We argue like brothers and sisters,'' Candiece said.

"Spiritually, we were helped ... God made it happen, and we prayed every day,'' Chickaya chimed in.

Other members of choir including Francine Rollins and Joquita Rollins explained how the group planned much of the choir's activities themselves.

"We were responsible for fund raising, bake sales ... we even made up our own dances,'' said 17-year-old Robyn Bean.

In addition to the show choir's success, the gospel choir has performed at a number of local events.

They performed for the senior citizens at BIU, Agape House, World Aids Day, and Human Rights Day.

And the choir is scheduled to perform with the Bermuda Philharmonic on June 5 and 7.

Mr. Woolridge has taught in the public school system for six years, and previously gave private lessons for more than ten years.

He was educated at the Berkeley College of Music in Boston and received his Masters degree in music education from Alabama A&M.

But the choir director was quick to emphasise the merits of the rest of CedarBridge Academy -- beyond the success of the choir.

"Although the choir has been very visible because of our success abroad, it's important that people recognise the other teachers and students in, say, English and Math,'' he said.

"There are more than a thousand teachers and students working together at CedarBridge, and I believe in making that kind of success a reality,'' Mr.

Woolridge added.

And the young choir members stressed their desire to continue to express their talents.

"We've got a few singing groups coming out of the choir -- The Committee, The Good Fellas, and Men of Vision,'' said Chickaya.

"I want us all to succeed, I want to go straight to the top. Premier Gordon has helped us right along, and I hope other people will help us realise our dreams.

"Who says Bermudians can't be on BET (Black Entertainment Television)?'' he added with a mischievous smile.