THE sounds of music filled the Cathedral on Thursday as students from District Three staged their music festival again after a year-long break.
An appreciative audience took it all in.
“I feel like there was a void in our school lives and curriculum without the soul of music being felt throughout the district. Through the music festival today, we open the ears of the city centre to the sounds of harmony,” District Music Coordinator Embert Placide said.
Gospel music, soca, and soul permeated the Cathedral and every instrument could be heard.
With songs like ‘So Strong’ being performed, (originally sung by Labi Siffre), and ‘Glorious’ by David Archuleta, it was hard to remain still.
“I am of the strong belief that a holistic programme for student development must include… music. Why? Research shows that if you expose… students or anyone to classical music before they tackle a challenging task they are able to complete that task successfully,” District Education Officer Francellette Laurencine said, adding that “some experiments were done.”
“It is critical in the development of every child (and) every human being and Caribbean people have music everywhere…. it helps us to be happy,” she said.
Further, she stated, the music festival showcased the exceptional talent of students and in the future, there will be another one like it — but on a grand scale.
“I will not say (when) yet, (but it will be) at one of the schools where we can continue to provide an avenue for our students to share their talents with us,” Laurencine told the audience, adding that teachers should ensure they “sell the importance of music in the classroom.”
For some, the highlight was the R.C. Boys’ performance, as they played their drums, catching the attention of everyone in attendance. What a show it was!
Bishop Charles Gachet R.C. Primary was a real treat as well as they played their stringed instruments.