Nine BHS music band members graduate

Nine students of the Bethel High School have graduated from the school’s first music band.{{more}}

Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, September 28, Principal of the School, Sylvia Findlay, expressed her happiness at seeing the students reach this far, seeing that they encountered some difficulties during the first few months of the programme.

Keith Glasgow, Project Chairman and Deputy Principal (ag) , said that the school is looking forward to expanding the band to a full orchestra, and is hoping to see the band performing at various functions put on by the Ministry of Education, and other concerts.

“Some of the students have been exposed to sight reading of music. Some of them have made encouraging progress in this area,” Glasgow said, when asked about the students’ ability to read music.

According to Glasgow, even though the students did not do as well as he expected in this area, they have shown some improvement.

Advisor and Education Officer in the area of Music, Joffre Venner, said that he is pleased with the dedication shown by the students over the nine months of the programme, especially when they have to practise as late as 6pm.

He also encouraged other students of the school to become part of the music band since there are many benefits that are to be derived. Music, according to Venner, allows people to build their self-esteem, discipline, creativity, develop academically and to keep occupied and out of trouble.

Phases one and two of the programme cost $16,185. The school is planning to have their second recruitment drive this month, to replace the students who have already graduated.

The four tutors were: David Morgan, Jason Phillips, Sharmos White and Nashorn Frederick. Safiya McKenzie, Garcia Lawrence, Zonnelle Pierre, Jolie Peters, Orlando Rouse, Huchin Hadaway, Rondella Lagay and Kenneth Goodgie were the nine students who graduated from the band.(SB)