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Jamaican powerhouse vocalist Tessanne Chin-Crooks through her Tessanne Chin Foundation is now in the rehearsal phase of the third staging of the Voice Box’s annual ‘Summer Singing Intensive Programme’.

Auditions to join the camp were held on July 13 and 27 at the Universal Center of Truth for Better Living where 50 of 100 auditionees were selected for a 2-and-a-half-week training camp to hone and showcase their vocal chops.

The acclaimed vocalist is already deep into rehearsals at Campion College, promising this year’s third staging of the Voice Box’s beloved summer programme will hit all the right notes.

“I wake up every morning excited to come here because I am witnessing what I know is going to be the next wave of Jamaican talent,” said Chin-Crooks. “It is a privilege… I’m glad to be a part of their journey.”

When Our Today visited the rehearsals on August 20, Chin-Crooks, vocal coaches and performing arts professionals were hard at work, rearing the future of Jamaica’s talented.

Chin-Crooks’s approach to training has a liberal touch to it, where she is determined to foster the campers’ voices and their individuality.

“It’s about giving them the space to have a voice… the space to come up with their own creative ideas and their own unique approach to what they believe is representing them… the music representing the typical young Jamaican,” said Chin-Crooks.

Her sentiment was a reminder that the ‘Summer Singing Intensive Programme’ is not just any singing camp—it’s a musical experience filled with expert coaching, fun-filled rehearsals, and a fair share of Tessanne’s infectious enthusiasm.

From stage presence workshops to personalized mentorship from one of the island’s finest and her team of acclaimed instructors, the campers were all smiles as they rehearsed. And let’s not forget the surprise celebrity guest appearances that have become a trademark of the programme.

Reggae artiste Sevana swung by to give her mentorship and guidance, further adding to the unforgettable experience for the budding superstars.

As for what is on the horizon, Chin-Crooks told Our Today that Voice Box is in the process of recording their first single.

“We didn’t really focus on whether or not it was reggae we just wanted them to have a voice…” she said.

She also announced that there will be a Christmas show this year, and said that she hoped a lot of campers from this batch would sign up for the Voice Box Programme.

Chin-Crooks also took the time to shout out the many sponsors and mentors who were instrumental in the success of the camp.

“I have to big up our teachers… I have an incredible team!” she said.

The sponsors include Scotia Bank, Tastee, Digicel Foundation, Wisynco, The Tourism Enhancement Fund, Grace Kennedy and Sagicor.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors,” she said. “If it were not for them we would not be able to do this and offer it for free.”

Chin-Crooks’s passions run deep when it comes to her foundations and its connected branches, that bring her much joy. Thankfully, she’s still singing, and managing family life and work. When Our Today asked if how she was fairing juggling all the does, she said, “When you love something and you believe in something… you are filled with purpose,”

“Although, sometimes, mi tired” She laughed, “Everyone here is working hard.”

The two-and-a-half-week camp boils down to a show on August 24 where the campers will unbox their new gifts; their raw talent, honed and shaped by the special experience that is the ‘Summer Singing Intensive Programme’.

Tickets can be purchased at Campion College’s Auditorium on Thursday, August 22.

Photos From Our Today‘s Visit: