“Music Inspires” was the theme of the 33rd annual concert put on by the Music Department at Emanuel Benjamin Oliver Elementary School (EBO) on Tuesday, March 29. For more than two hours, young musicians from various grade levels wowed their family members, teachers, administrators and members of the community with melodious sounds in choir, band, recorder and steelpan.
The second grade recorder class, conducted by Ms. Uniqua Malone, a student teacher, opened the program with two selections, “Au Claire De La Lune” and “Rockin’ Along.” Complimenting her young students, Ms. Malone said, “They show a lot of potential. Some of them even come to practice at lunchtime. They are so eager to learn.”
“Music inspires me and makes me happy,” exclaimed second grader, Amora Smith. “Music is the best,” said Dayali Buil. “Music makes people dance all day,” chimed in Leq’uoiah Brunn. “You get to play songs and have fun,” said Kefirah Gumbs. The eager musicians all agreed they like their student teacher because she teaches them to play notes on their recorders.
In her welcoming remarks, Principal Carolyn Archer stated March is officially designated by the National Association for Music Education as Music in Our Schools Month since 1973. “Our program today is a celebration and observance of the benefits of music education. We want to bring music to the attention of the community to show its’ educational benefits.
Reminiscing with the audience, she asked if they remembered a popular song made famous by Bob Marley titled, “Hit me with music.” “Why music,” she added, “because music inspires.”
Roy Brunn, grandfather to fourth grade trumpet player, Anajah Brunn, likes the effect music has on his granddaughter. “She enjoys playing with her friends and it keeps her busy and out of trouble.” He said he sees positive growth since she began playing.
Concert Band Director Mr. Emanuel Clayton has taught music and band at the school for more than 33 years. Smiling widely, he said, “Music is my life.” While living in the states, Mr. Clayton said he saw music celebrated and decided to start a program when he returned to St. Thomas to teach. He is confident music classes help his students develop collaborative skills and motivate them to work together.
Mr. Clayton is also proud of a former student, Tabari Lake, now a rising acoustic bassist on the national music scene and a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston. “Tabari began playing clarinet in the third grade and also played in the Emanuel Benjamin’s steel orchestra.”
Performing twice in the program, the concert band played “Infinity,” “Power Rock,” “Circle of Life” and “Rockin’ Robin.” The students were visibly proud of their instrumental abilities. Many could be seen sitting tall in their chairs as they played, and then grinning from ear to ear, as their family members looked on with pride at the end of each selection.
The performers receiving the most exuberant response from the audience were the Steel Owls, directed by fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Shanee King and accompanied by guest drummer from the Rising Stars, Jaleel Robles. The steel pan musicians’ rhythmic beats caused the audience, young and old, to sway and sing along to such favorites as “Locked Away,” “I Know You Were Trouble” and “All of Me.”
Jeremy Hodge and Chris Rommis, both fifth graders, say they enjoy playing with the Steel Owls because they have fun and learn to play songs on steel pan they like. They both want to become musicians.
Choir Director Howard Jones led his students as they sang such songs as “Power Rock” “Infinity,” “I’ve Been To Harlem” and a favorite, “I Sing Because I’m Happy,” during which students sitting in the audience enthusiastically sang along.
Sherline Vergland, a fourth grader, and Brianna Lawrence, a fifth grader, both like to sing in the school choir. This is Sherline’s third year. She said she made a lot of friends singing in choir and she wants to become a teacher or doctor. Brianna enjoys singing because, she said, “we can change our voices from high to low and express our feelings.”
Mr. Jones’ piano lab is a favorite music activity for his students. “Students get to make their own music.” However, for students to embrace music more, he would like parents to be more involved and would like to make his lab more functioning with additional musical equipment.
Although EBO’s first principal, Mrs. Leona Wheatley, was not in attendance, it was clear her efforts to bring the benefits of music to young children were carried out in this concert program.
| Students sway to the sounds of the Steel Owls |
| Second grade students after recorder performance |
| Fifth grade Steel Owls Chris Rommis and Jeremy Hodge |
