Yes the students in primary schools are exposed to music and the arts. This follows unto the High schools. I would say that the greatest challenge for the students and the schools is the lack of musical equipments and facilities. Tutors too! There is just no question about the raw talent that exist among our children! They only need the right learning environments and for the talent to be nurtured.
Most Primary and High schools here have a school Choir. There is a choir competition that is even televised! Excellent standards. Mastering the various equipments can be better enhanced.
I would say that if there was a way to provide more facilities children would starting specialising and focusing on the Arts rather than just "passing through".
we find that because of the heavier emphasis on the Academic performances at the High schools (Secondary) level then the Arts get a little wash out unless there a few outstanding cases that cannot be ignored. these are embraced and nurtured.
I am not sure about joining the group. You see, I have my hands full right now. I work as Special Technical Asst to the Hon. Prime Minister and that is very demanding of my time. I will however help where I can, when I can.
All the best
Carlene
********************************************************************************
Yvonne Michelle Harris January 31 at 8:02pm
Dear Carlene,
Thanks again for your prompt response. Yes, I know of your job which I am sure keeps you busy 24/7. Sometime after I met you I saw an article which stated your position. Thus, I was able to predict that you already have more on your plate than one can imagine, and that your time is extremely rationed out. Your prompt response on both occasions is greatly appreciated, and is very demonstrative of your genuine concern and willingness to do whatever you are able to for the progress of the students of today, who are the future of Jamaica’s tomorrow. You have my utmost respect and admiration as I am privy to the personal donations of all aspects of resources that you have made.
The gentleman that I made mention of in my last writing obviously hit the problem squarely on the head. It is the facilities and the musical instruments, as well as the qualified teachers that are sadly lacking. Your term "passing through" is most appropriate, for with very few instruments, the students probably do not even get a chance to have enough 'hands on' experience to ascertain whether or not they have either the aptitude and/or the desire to play the instrument.
Overall, the children of Jamaica possess a raw and in many cases, unexposed or unseen talent. I have heard them make music by blowing across a blade of grass, as well as from bottles filled with different levels of water, and in many other ways.
The concern that I initially had is the one that you have expressed here. It is two-fold in that not much hands on experience is given to the younger children as far as both tutoring and practicing on the musical instruments; and of course that there is that stringent demand from both parents and teachers to focus on the academics. There is nothing “wrong” with this approach, as naturally parents wish their children to do well in life and they believe that the only way is through the academic subjects. However, as we both know, there is a lot of musical talent that is not developed or nurtured, and in some cases not even recognized. “Oh for the want of a shoe, the war was lost.” As you rightly mention, if there is an obvious prodigy, then an exception is made, and special provisions are made for the student to continue their education in an environment where they have access to the instrument(s) and tutoring needed. However, I wonder how many musical prodigies are slipping through unnoticed.
Access to tutoring and opportunities to properly learn to play, master, and become one with the musical instruments would certainly be advantageous to many for as you write, there is a choir competition that is televised, and that is very good. Imagine the televised production that would emerge with additional tutoring, practice and excellent handling and playing of the instrument!! Better yet, imagine the prospective musical stars that would also have the beginnings and knowledge of where their strengths and forte lie, and thus they could move forward in pursuing their dreams that would emerge, and would much more easily become a reality. Of course it goes without saying that under no circumstances should their pursuit of academic achievements be ignored, as the students should all be academically trained and be well rounded. It is just that additionally, these children would have the instruments and the musical education at their disposal to take advantage of. I feel confident that if a student was musically talented and had a passion for music, that student would stay after school if necessary , and do whatever necessary to improve and fine-tune their talents.
So clearly it is evident that we need to change the focus of the group. From your information, it is very apparent what the needs are, and what we should turn our focus, brainstorming, and efforts to. Carlene, thank you so much your guidance.
I will being up the point that in addition to music, there are other areas that we would like to see similar opportunities be provided to the students, for instance, in the realm of actual art, there are so many types and methods of creating works of art, ranging from painting, to charcoal sketches, to cloth and beaded collages, etc. etc. We also spoke of dance, and frankly, the world of the arts is so very extensive.
However, we need to be realistic and focus on one “subject” at a time. We must creep before we can walk. Therefore, it would be best to begin with what we have focused on in our communication here.
I do wish I had thought to ask you for information long before I did, as I was spinning my wheels endlessly. However, what doesn’t happen in a year happens in a day. I do understand your hesitation in joining the group as you are under a lot of pressure and have a lot of work. Carlene, the information you have provided me with is extremely valuable, and now gives me and whoever is seriously interested an opportunity to move forward with a much better understanding, and a more specific goal. Hopefully, I will not have to bother you (at least not much ) but I may have the need to seek more information from you again. However, as I stated before, the information you have already provided should be sufficient to have us independently research or contact the relevant people for any further information; as well as contact the relevant personnel as we bring this to fruition. In the event we get stuck as to where to direct a certain question, concern or matter, I hope I can call on you for that information. Again, from you prior actions, I know that you will help whenever you are able to.
God Bless you Carlene, and again thank you for setting me on the right track. I do believe that we will make something positive happen for a significant number of students. The intention, the persistence and the drive are all there, so while it may not happen as quickly as I would like to see it happen, it will happen.
As we reach certain milestones, I will make sure I apprise you of our progress, for you have been integral in setting our direction. We were in the right forest just barking up the wrong tree. Additionally, I know you are interested in and dedicated to the future of our Jamaican youth.
Take care, and have a wonderful week.
Warmest regards,
Yvonne
Posts
