Two auditions are coming up for an exciting music project for youngsters between the ages of eight and 18. Will you be a part of it?
Co-financed by the Dutch Disaster Fund, “Music brings people together” is brought to you by National Institute of Arts (NIA) and various musicians.
Why would a “disaster fund” get involved in music? Because recovery following the disastrous hurricane season of 2017 is not only about reconstruction.
This project, as its name describes, aims to bring people together. Music sparks joy for both the creator and the listener. Music is fun, educational and therapeutic!
The Youth Orchestra will utilise new, state of the art instruments, provided by NIA. Some types will be familiar, but most will be a brand new experience – instruments that even most adults on the island do not personally have access to, including cellos, French horns, oboes and violins.
The “Music brings people together” organisers and musicians have been busy visiting various schools, and more school tours are underway.
They have been received with lots of smiles and enthusiasm from students. They have been showcasing the instruments, different music styles, and the different types of jobs available in the music industry (such as working with sound systems, lights, the stage and costumes).
The two auditions will take place this Saturday, January 19, and next Saturday, January 26, both from 9:00 to 11:00am at NIA, in the John Larmonie Centre.
The first audition is for those who already know how to play a musical instrument, while the second audition will be for children who don’t know how to play an instrument, but who may have a knack for music. These can be “walk-ins” or students whose teachers have recommended them.
There are 72 scholarships available, and the free music classes will start in February and last throughout the year. The music students will be able to learn the craft under the guidance of well-trained teachers and musicians.
The group will demonstrate their skill by performing to the general public as a formal ensemble.
After auditions, the students will be divided into groups, who will learn to play different types of instruments, such as wood wings, strings; brass, piano/ key board, drums and guitars. Each group will have its own dedicated teacher.
The project presents a great opportunity for those with a knack for music to develop and show off their skills. It’s also free of charge. But you have to have discipline and show responsibility.
The equipment being used is expensive. Training – especially as a group – takes organisation and cooperation, and you will be presenting your skills to the public. Dedication and good behaviour are important!
What’s more, you don’t want to take a spot (that another student is not getting) and then not work hard and make the most of it. That would be unfair to other students who were not chosen for a scholarship.
The students’ participation will be monitored on an ongoing basis. Things like improper posture while playing your instrument, missed entrances, lack of preparation for class, excessive noise, disrupting musical performance and not being in place at the proper time can get you suspended from the programme. You will not be allowed to use cell phones or tablets while in class either, as that is against the rules.
There will be at least two classes per week, and rehearsals on Saturday mornings with the whole orchestra. Saturday rehearsals are part of the participation requirements. Absences that are not excused will result in suspension from performances or even from the programme.
All students and their parents will be presented a student policy that will be strictly applied. There will be a black-and-white dress code for performances, and you will need to take good care of the instruments. There is a small fee for insurance for these instruments.
Students are also required to have the proper equipment in class each day; whatever it takes to play your instrument: reeds, valve oil, slide cream, sticks, mallets, neck straps, mutes, music, pencil, etc.
If you have a knack for music and are willing to work hard, this is a fantastic opportunity! As for the kids, who love music but don’t want to play instruments, you’ll be able to see the Youth Orchestra perform when they get to show off their skills to the public!
