US jazz band encourages youths to keep playing music

Students of music who interacted last Wednesday, February 28 with members of the Huntertones, a jazz band from the United States, have been encouraged to continue playing music.

At a session at the Peace Memorial Hall, the American band, which was in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for two days as part of a cultural exchange organized by the US Embassy, gave the secondary school students tips on how to play professionally.

The Bishop’s College school band played three songs at the workshop and received a standing ovation from the American musicians.

In relation to the school band’s perfomance, Huntertone band member Dan said the way we all play is more similar than we think.

The Huntertones played various songs on the sousaphone, saxophone, beatbox, drumset and guitar, while the Bishop’s College school band included keyboard, saxophone, a drumset, traditional drums and a guitar in its ensemble.

There was a question and answer segment, during which students were provided with advice on improving their musical skills.

The band explained that mistakes are made during performances, but they usually record while playing, so that later on, they can discuss what happened and improve.

Furthermore, they said accepting that there will always be some stage fright is one way to overcoming it. One member, however, highlighted that for him, holding his arms up and pressing his palms together until they got tired helped tremendously.

The experienced musicians emphasized that finding the time to practise together and perfecting their individual musical skills at one-on-one sessions, were critical to playing well as a band. However, it was equally important that they pursue other goals. Students were also advised that to be efficient at improvising, one must know the musical notes well.

Gaina Davila, deputy public affairs officer of the US Embassy Bridgetown, said through this workshop they hoped the students saw the diversity and the excellence of American music.

“We are hoping that they lean into their own artforms and that they perfect their work; that they may become inspired from the music of this band to pursue their own hopes and aspirations,” said Davila.

The Huntertones are based in New York. They have released two albums and have toured North and South America, Europe and Africa.

The group completed their visit to SVG with a three-hour concert at the SVGCC Villa Campus later that afternoon.

The Huntertones’ workshop came a few weeks before the Teachers Cooperative Credit Union School Bands Showcase, scheduled to take place on March 24. At that event, 11 secondary school bands will showcase their skills at the decommissioned ET Joshua airport.(CB)