Music students do well on exams
More Belizeans are achieving excellence in the field of music?at least that’s the implication of the latest examination results. Jacqueline Woods has more.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
This year sixty students from various music schools across the country sat the annual Royal Schools of Music Examination. Of that number, eight of the violinists and pianists passed with distinction.
Colville Young, Junior, Violin Teacher
“Well for us, it is the only examination whereby people can gauge, something that they can use as a diploma to say how much they have achieved, or how far they have been within music.”
The students are graded by an examiner from the Royal Schools of Music in England who visits Belize each April to conduct the exams. Violin teacher Colville Young, Junior, says this year’s results are impressive.
Colville Young, Junior
“The examination is really geared up, I think that as long as you?re well prepared and you have a certain level of musical ability, you should be able to pass it. In other words, it?s not designed to try and fail you, but if you are not well prepared or the material is not there, he is not going to pass you. Also though, it?s difficult to get a high grade in it. To get a distinction pass means that you?ve got to be on top of the game in this. So in a way, the scaling is kinda broad based, but to be at the top you got to be good.”
Young says in light of all the crime that has been taking place in the country, it is good to know that there is also something positive to report.
Colville Young, Junior
“Well I will tell you what, it has always been my contention that part of the problems that we are facing today with a lack of appreciation?for young people especially?with their environment and what?s happening around them has to do with neglect of the arts.”
Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
The eight students who passed with distinction are Kristen and Hilary Chen from the Alice R. Williams Music School; Megan and Ninon Martinez, Samantha Smith, and Lucio Enriquez of the Sister Therese?Pallotti Music School; Kristin Olga Marin from the Sheila Ann Genitty Music School; and from the Gina Scott Music School, Rajeev Pollard.
