Nicole Miller (second left) and the Fusion Band. Ocean Spray Small Stage performers at Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2006. - CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE 2006 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival created its first- ever Art of Music Workshop, designed to develop and showcase new Jamaican talent.
The workshop took place on January 26 at the Half Moon Shopping Village in Montego Bay, St. James, during the three-day music festival. The aim of the workshop was to provide as much information as possible to aspiring musicians.
Among the participants was PACE Band, one of the winners of the auditions for the Ocean Spray Stage, on which upcoming bands performed at the festival.
One of the goals of the workshop was to provide a forum for the discussion of industry-related issues.
The bands, some of which had students from the School of Music, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, and aspiring musicians, partici-pated in specialised clinics with professionals who shared knowledge about the industry, access to international promoters, radio personalities, radio stations, industry professionals and international artistes.
There were practical clinics dealing with drums, percussion, keyboard, vocal, guitar and flute. The industry professionals, who were also the slated 'tutors', were Reinaldo Monroig, Jose Hernandez, Lukes Morgan (a member of Morgan Heritage), and recording artistes Lyfe Jennings and Nestor Torres.
MUSIC INTERESTS
Presentations were also made by a panel representing varied interests in music, which included Maurice Gordon, lecturer, Jamaica School of Music; Lukes Morgan, Mary D'Elia, manager for Grammy Award winner Nestor Torres; and Del Crooks, film commissioner at JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation).
Gordon stressed the importance of knowing how to play instruments to the development of Jamaica's music and, in particular, to its bands. He said that Turn-Key Productions, promoters of the festival, was in the process of trying to gain scholarships for performers.
He also urged musicians to grasp opportunities, such as the Ocean Spray Stage auditions and Rising Stars, to showcase and develop their skills.
Not only was the workshop aimed at helping aspiring entertainers, but also to educate students of music. "It will also promote cultural and educational opportunities for musically talented youth and aspiring musicians in Jamaica," said Walter Elmore, president of Turn-Key Productions.
"It is by recognising the importance of hands-on training and first-hand knowledge direct from established professionals that these students can develop the necessary relationships needed for it to impact their careers. It really is a unique opportunity for these young performers to participate in this one-day workshop," said Elmore.
The bands found the Art of Music Workshop very beneficial. "It was refreshing hearing individual points of view. It was good that they had the workshop, because there were many people there who we interacted with. There were people from different cultures and backgrounds, as well as local and international musicians. The voice clinic was very good, as it reinforced some of the things we already knew," said Ian Lamme from PACE.
- Kesi Asher
