More musical opportunities available for Vincentians

An organization calling itself ‘Opportunities in Music Inc’ has been registered as a non-profit organization in the state of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

A release from the organization said the motivation for the initiative stems from the idea that all Vincentian children who would like to learn to play a musical instrument should be afforded the opportunity to do so.

“No barriers – social, economic or otherwise should stand in the way. And yet, this is merely a first step towards a loftier, far-reaching concept that would necessitate a meeting of minds among the proponents of this vision and the government of the day. It all flows from the proposition that music should be an integral part of every child’s education,” the release said.

Beginning in 2009, shipments of musical instruments from Canada were sent to the Ministry of Education, even as exploratory discussions were being held with ministry officials up to the highest level, and other interested parties in the community. Three large and two small shipments, totalling more than 200 instruments, have so far been donated by the organization.

The instruments donated include saxophones, trumpets, clarinets, flutes, tenors, bass recorders, French horns, violins, violas, cellos and acoustic and bass guitars. Some 60 glockenspiels (small xylophones), requested especially for the juniors, were also part of the donations.

To date, according to the Ministry of Education, instruments have been distributed to 15 schools; and it is estimated that these donations, added to the Ministry’s inventory, made possible the participation of over 1,000 more students in the music programme than would otherwise have been the case.

Several flagship schools, notably the Bethel High School, North Union Secondary, the St Vincent Girls’ High School, and the Richland Park Government, are acting as pace-setters and a source of inspiration for the rest, the release said.

Other entities and individuals acting in the role of bona fide patrons also played a major part in nurturing this monumental undertaking in its nascent state.

Opportunities in Music Inc is grateful to Long & McQuade Musical Instruments (Canada); Leo Lewis, Vincy-Canadian; the late Pauline Yearwood, originally from Georgetown, who spent her later years in Montreal; Ken Boyea, local entrepreneur and proven patriot; and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Ottawa Association, for their generous financial and other support.

Moving forward, there are formidable tasks to be confronted. One of the most challenging pertains to the recruitment of volunteer teachers, both to replace the ones who leave, and to meet the needs for growth.

According to the release, Ministry of Education personnel working in the field to promote music as a fundamental part of the curriculum are greatly encouraged by the notably closer collaboration between the Ministries of Culture and Education to accelerate the advancement of the music programme in the schools.

Equally encouraging is the conjuncture of forces working together to drive home the message about the value of music in the learning process; and Opportunities in Music Inc is truly proud to be a timely participant in this worthy and rewarding cause.

“In due course, we shall introduce our company personnel and Steering Committee members. In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that former Commissioner, Keith Miller, has kindly agreed to join our team. Part of Mr Miller’s role as general secretary would be to serve as the chief contact person for the organization,” the release said.