Young musicians unite for benefit concert
Our next report involves a Christmas concert that will take place on Saturday night in Belize City. But what started out as a routine assignment to preview one of many holiday events, evolved into a story that offers some insights into the nature of our society and the role that music can play. Jacqueline Woods explains.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
One thing I learned after sitting in on a one hour musical rehearsal is that it’s not as easy as it sounds to play together as a group. Three weeks ago, the players, who are from the Anglican Cathedral College Band, the National Youth Band and individual musicians, united to practice for a Christmas musical programme.
Luis Chan, Coordinator, Music Programme
“It’s just the time when everybody gets a little bit more into the Christmas spirit. So that’s how we came about trying to give the community and you know, working with the schools and Arts Council promoting this as a music awareness programme, to bring Christmas into Belize.”
But the concert is also a part of a pilot project that started in January. Luis Chan, musical director at the Belize Arts Council, says the idea is to encourage more youths to become interested in music.
Luis Chan
“Therefore early in January we moved the instruments from the Belize Arts Council with the same National Youth Band and we moved it over to A.C.C. to start a music programme. The instruments were donated by Sir Colville Young, the Governor General, and that is the idea of trying to bring music into the schools as a part of the curriculum.”
On Thursday night, the youths along with more musicians, prepared their final rehearsal for the group’s first concert on Saturday night.
Chris Bradshaw, Director, Musical Programme
“It’s kind of difficult keeping them focused, especially since the music culture is just beginning in school. What we have to do is kind of interest them by having them play a variety of music, and probably that’s the only way to keep them interested in it and show them the benefits that they can derive from playing music.”
And how will the students benefit from the programme? Well, the youths had their own personal reasons why they decided to get involved.
Richard Pitts, Clarinet Player
“There was nothing else to do. Usually I would drift about in the evening and thing and my parents would rail up about that, so I found something more constructive to do. Usually I would play softball, but I get banned from that. “
Jacqueline Woods
“So this helps you to be more disciplined?”
Richard Pitts
“Yes, miss.”
Romero Logan, Trombonist
“I really want to be a musician when I grow up.”
Jacqueline Woods
“What inspired you?”
Romero Logan
“Just because my parents, they tell me that music is good for you and Mr. Bradshaw, he helps me a lot.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So what has it been like?”
Romero Logan
“It has been good…I like it a lot.”
Donovan Graham, 1st Trumpet Player
“My whole family is like musicians. My uncle was the bandmaster in the B.D.F. band, my mother plays guitar, bass, piano and so forth. And I think music is the best thing for me, and it keeps me focus also, because I think if I don’t do good in school, they will take me out of the band. So I try my best to do good in school so I could stay in the band.”
The practice sessions have been challenging, but the group has been working hard, putting together a programme that will include, Belizean carols, traditional Christmas music, and even some jazz pieces.
Jacqueline Woods
“How important is it for a player to listen to the tunes, as well as the director’s voice?”
Kevin Brown, Trumpet Player
“Well, if you don’t listen to the director or the tune, well you’re practically lost.”
Chris Bradshaw
“It is very important because you mention two things there. One of them is listening to me and the other is listening to each other as they play. If they don’t listen to me, some of the times they might miss cues, and so they might not play together as a group what is written on the paper or what has been decided on as a group”
Luis Chan
“I really am impressed with the work that the students have been doing because music seems very easy, but it has a lot of work that is being done behind the curtain. So I am really happy that this is what we wanted to get started from way back.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Tonight, the group did its final rehearsal, are you guys prepared for Saturday?”
Luis Chan
“Sure. We did our final rehearsals and we know that we need to get certain things a little bit more tight and we will be doing it during the course of tomorrow. But Saturday will be the time to put the young people to the test, so I believe that we will have a very nice concert.”
The concert gets underway at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
A contribution of five dollars is being asked from those attending. The money will be used to buy additional instruments and help develop musical programmes in schools.
