It’s time again for the National Schools’ Band Showcase 2019, and according to the organizers it promises to be even bigger and better.
The National Schools’ Band Showcase is a partnership among the Ministries of Tourism, Sports and Culture, and Education and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union (SVGTCCU). Over eighteen schools will participate in the event.
The Showcase was launched on Monday, February 25th, 2019 at the SVGTCCU conference room. Chair of the media launch, Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles described the 2nd year of the Schools’ Band Showcase as exciting. Charles told the audience that several experienced Musicians and Artistes are in support of the Showcase. He said they have shown further interest by offering their expertise through a mentorship programme for participating schools, for this, he thanked all those who have come on board.
Coordinator of the Showcase, Rodney Small stated that over 200 young and upcoming musicians will perform at this year’s Band Showcase. He urged the audience to take the numbers seriously because they “indicate there is a great demand for the creative arts within our schools”. Students will have an opportunity to improve their skills with a workshop on stage craft and performance on Saturday March 9th.
Vice President of the SVGTCCU, Curtis King, said the launch of the Showcase is significant as it coincided with the day Doc Adams was laid to rest. King used the opportunity to pay tribute to Dr. Edgar Adams as he was a “giant contributor to our culture, in all respects.”
King said the National Schools’ Band Showcase is an initiative that the SVGTCCU has strongly supported since its inception. “We promised commitment to this activity and I am happy to report that we are going to continue our sponsorship for the next three years”.
Fourth form student of the Bethel High School, Jabez Matthews described the 2018 Showcase as an “amazing” experience. Matthews said the “energy that night was unbelievable.” He is hoping that this year will be better than 2018.
Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Hon. Cecil ‘Ces’ Mc Kie, said he is pleased with the progress of the National Schools’ Band Showcase. He recalled the great enthusiasm from the Music Teachers and from students at last year’s event. He urged students to twin their academic abilities with their musical abilities because the future is theirs to create.
The launch of the National Schools’ Band Showcase also saw the handing over of musical instruments to Music Teachers and students compliments persons in the Diaspora. The Schools’ Band Showcase is organized under the theme: “Bringing a Modern Approach to Music Education”. This year’s Showcase takes place on Saturday, March 23rd at the E.T. Joshua Airport tarmac from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.