A.C.C. students make strides in music
The artists featured in the following story are not wannabe rappers, DJ’s or Belize-Americans trying to launch a CD they recorded in a L.A. garage. These guys, as Ann-Marie discovered, actually play instruments and make sounds that really sound like music.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
In an age where school bands are a rarity, it’s nice to hear the A.C.C. pop and jazz band playing music to lift the spirits and stir the soul. The band was formed by Paul Bradshaw, a science teacher with an affinity for their music. After a donation of instruments from different sources, he prepared his thirty-five member student choir to make a joyful noise.
Paul Bradshaw, Bandmaster
“They find some way to vent the various problems that they have, anxiety and things like that by way of music, and they also learn a skill that can earn them money.”
Both the A.C.C. students and teachers are hoping that they can earn some money from a Sacred concert they’re having at the cathedral on Saturday. We found the seven member boy band, Nu Riddim Singers and the trio, Voices in Harmony, rehearsing. Alan Pitts joined the band just days ago, however, his musical ability takes him back six months. He plays the sax.
Alan Pitts, Saxophone
“I love the music, the music is nice. I’m not used to playing church music, but I have a feel for it now.”
Leon Banks started out playing the acoustic guitar in primary school. Today, he’s gone electric.
Leon Banks, Electric Guitar
“It sounds more loud, that’s the best part. It’s louder and it makes you feel more alive. The acoustic guitar sounds harmonious a peaceful, that’s what I like about two of the guitars.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“So you think that band has to be loud before it sounds good?”
Leon Banks
“Not really. I think it just has to learn how to co-ordinate, learn how to play together.”
And it takes more than just playing together to make the band sound good. It takes practice, practice, practice.
Leon Banks
“Until like late. Sometimes I go home late in the evenings and my mom wants to know where I’ve been. I tell her I’m practising.”
Francisco Ponce has been involved in the rhythm section since age ten. For him, the drums are the heartbeat of the band.
Francisco Ponce, Drums
“Because you have to keep the timing of the whole band.”
Paul Bradshaw
“It has been proven by some scientists and psychologists that people who do well in music, usually do well in the sciences and mathematics especially.”
Francisco Ponce
“Like me, last year when I didn’t play in the band, I was about tenth in my class, and now I am in first place. That is very good for me I think.”
Bradshaw tells us what to expect for Saturday’s event.
Paul Bradshaw
“Some jazz, some traditional music, some reggae and some calypso, all different kinds we’ll try to integrate.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
Tickets for the Sacred concert, which also features gospel singer Rhonda Reid, can be purchased from A.C.C. students and at the door on Saturday night. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral.
