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School of Music celebrates the big 5-0

Published:Sunday | April 10, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Rev Dr Stevenson Samuels, guest speaker at the 50th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of the School of Music, gave a spirited, anecdote-filled speech that had the audience attentive and challenged.
The Edna Manley College School of Music Wind Ensemble, led by Wind Department Head Courtney Fadlin, thrilled the audience with their moving renditions at the School of Music 50th Annniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration, held at the college.
The EMC Steel Band in collaboration with the percussionists gave a scintillating performance at the recently held School of Music 50th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration.
There was passion and joy etched on the faces of these Edna Manley College School of Music students, as they moved the audience with Gloria Estefan's Reach, at the School of Music 50th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration. -Contributed photos
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It was a jubilant and festive crowd that gathered in the School of Music Auditorium to commemorate 50 strong years of the institution at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC).

Guided by a wittily crafted theme "Honour Roll ... On-A-Roll", the grand celebration began with an electrifying service of thanksgiving and celebration which was attended by alumni, board members, students, staff and friends of the College.

The smiles on each face and the overwhelming applause demonstrated that countless lives had been touched by the great institution that opened its doors in 1961.

Designed and executed in true School of Music style, from beginning the end, the audience was treated to an eclectic mixture of exhilarating performances.

Guests were greeted with a musical prelude which included the EMC Recorder Quintet who performed Allegro and Minuet by Johann Christian Schickhardt, as well as the EMC String Ensemble that delivered Waltz from Seranade for Strings by Tchaikovsky.

The reading of the Word in Jamaican dialect to musical accompaniment was an ingenious idea that worked, which was reflected in the applause given after its conclusion.

The talented EMC Choir served up thrilling musical dishes in the form of Andries Van Tonde's Siyahamba and Noel Dexter's O Praise Ye the Lord. EMC's Steel Band rendition of Oshkosh Jump, composed by Ray Holman and transcribed by Jeannine Remy, was enjoyed immensely.

Cultural expressions were definitely a part of the mix, as the School of Music, once under the banner of the Cultural Training Centre, demonstrated the sustenance and dedication to upholding our nation's culture.

craving for more

The Wind Ensemble delivered a sound rendition of the Negro Spiritual Were You There and the EMC Hand Drummers gave a scintillating and riveting performance that had the audience craving for more.

Another item of note was Gloria Estefan's Reach, led by Vincentian School of Music student Rodney Small on steel pan and percussion. At the end of the performance, the audience erupted into an echoing applause expressing appreciation for the energetic presentation.

Allegro by J.H Fiocco was presented by School of Music student Reajhaun Baptiste on steel pan and faculty member Ann McNamee on piano.

The School of Dance also added a nice touch to the evening's proceedings.

The speeches were as thrilling as the performances and were balanced with substantial anecdotes, humour and sobering thoughts.

There was a powerful connection between the past and the present. Former Director of the School of Music Winston Ewart and the present director, Roger Williams, both presented their reflections to a receptive audience.

Ewart outlined the historical significance of what was the Jamaica School of Music and the role it played in developing what it is today.

According to Ewart, the original institution also played its part in setting standards, societal attitudes to music and the conservatory style modelled off Britain.

Williams continued the journey, outlining the evolution of the School of Music from a more conservative style to one that further embraced folk music and Jamaican studies.

The director also took time to clarify some misunderstandings about the role and purpose of the School of Music.

"Let me point out that the School of Music does not exist to provide cheap or free music for all parties and office dinners around the country. The school is not a teachers' college, and will not aim to become one, neither are we a skills training institution". This comment was loudly applauded by the students and faculty that filled the recently renovated auditorium. He continued to champion the cause and purpose of the school, by passionately declaring, "we are a tertiary institution where technical performance and pedagogical skills are developed, critical thinking is demanded; informed musical analysis is an expectation; intellectual rigour is vital ... arts education is dynamic".

As the evening progressed, guests were often reminded that it will be a yearlong celebration, which would include the much-anticipated final year music shows from May 15-22, public lectures, faculty recitals, a heritage concert, a grand benefit concert with popular alumni and friends, as well as a hosting of Sir Willard White in concert.

The wider college community will also celebrate 35 years as a tertiary culture and arts institution.