FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas –
A number of students participating in the E. Clement Bethel National
Arts Festival Adjudications in Grand Bahama said, on March 10, 2011,
that they were not only excited to participate; but they also saw the
personal development benefits of taking part.
Head Girl at Sunland Baptist Academy
and Junior Minister of Tourism for The Bahamas Ms. Winnae Hunt said
that it is always a pleasure being in the National Arts Festival, as
it is a time for students to enjoy themselves by expressing their talents,
as well as representing their schools.
“It’s a win-win situation for us,”
Ms. Hunt said after her performance with a pop band from her school.
“We really enjoy what we do and the score does not really matter at
the end of the day because it is for the love of music.”
Head Boy at the same academy Shridat
Jadoo said that taking part in the National Arts Festival is a “really
good experience” and affords the school band an opportunity to get
exposure and showcase the talent on Grand Bahama.
He added that he feels that there is
an important link between cultural expression and academics.
“There have been scientific studies
showing that music enhances learning and helps you to learn better;
so this gives us that opportunity to learn better that way and do better
in school,” he added.
Fifth-grade student at Hugh Campbell
Primary Trinity Russell said she was proud of the 90 she scored that
day for her drama recitation.
“I feel wonderful,” she said.
“I really practiced a lot and I want to thank my teacher and my parents
for encouraging me. I felt very good having my mother here when
I performed.”
“Rolling Thunder” drumline member
and eighth-grader at the same Sunland Baptist Academy Kristian Moree
said that it felt great being in a band because it gives him discipline,
the ability to focus more and to want to learn more than before.
“I think it’s also fun for everyone
to just get out there and show their musical talents off,” Mr. Moree
added.
“It feels satisfying to take part in
the National Arts Festival – to show off your talents and be graded
by professionals,” he said. “It shows you what you need to
work on more and how you need to practice.”
Music Teacher at the Academy Ms. Sheena
Moree said that she is very proud of her students and their work ethics.
“They worked hard towards this and
I am really working with a group of motivated students who have a lot
of talent,” she said. “I give a lot of credit to them because
they do what is necessary to be excellent in music, which is practice.”
She added that she is especially happy
with seeing two of her nephews involved in the bands that were in the
bands.
Drama Adjudicator and Bahamian cultural icon James Catalyn speaks to students, during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on March 10, 2011. (BIS Photo / Eric Rose)
|
“That is a special source of pride,”
Ms. Moree said. “It’s hard to describe how I feel seeing them
perform, especially when they do well. I know that they love it
and they practice and they are making their school, as well as their
family, proud.”
Young Trinity added an encouragement
for all those who want to participate in the National Arts Festival.
“Just believe in yourself,” she said.
“You might never know what score you might get; but no matter what
score you get, you just try your best.”
