The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS All Stars Marching Band is preparing for a second trip to the Florida Blue Classic Battle of the Bands after an historical performance last year.

The performance will take place at the Amway Arena, on November 16. Last year the Bahamas All Stars became the first international marching band to perform in the competition, which is a significant feat, as marching bands all over the United States often hope to be selected in the limited ten slots of the competition.

Fortunately for the 120-member band, they were invited once again to compete in the competition and are eager to wow the crowd at the Amway Arena like they did last year.

But before their major showcase in November, the band is set to perform during a Family Fun Day on Saturday at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Bahamas All Stars Assistant Director Matthew Rolle told Tribune Entertainment it was last year’s performance at the Florida Classic Battle of the Bands that opened the door for them to perform a second time.

“The impression we had last year was great. Our band’s performance was incredible and this made them interested in having us perform for the second time.”

The Florida Blue Classic has a long history, starting as a football game between two rival black colleges in the United States, Wildcats of Bethune Cookman University and Rattlers of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Now, a battle is not only waged between football teams, but between high school marching bands.

An entire weekend is dedicated for the Battle of the Bands which will see first, performances by high school bands at the Amway Arena, and then, battles between the rival team bands during the half time show.

Mr Rolle and Yonell Justillen, directors of the band, are keen on having the group perform in various competitions both locally and abroad. Mr Rolle said by watching the performances of other groups, it can enhance the skills of the Bahamas All Stars.

“We are looking forward to the trip. While there, the students get the opportunity to see other bands perform, and this can enhance their abilities. It can also enhance their discipline, and leadership. They will see how good other bands are which will cause them to excel and open their eyes to the wide variety of styles,” he said.

“Students are exposed to classical, jazz, pop, gospel, calypso, rake n scape, and Junkanoo. You never know where the band can actually end up and because they are exposed to different music styles they will be able to perform in any capacity,” Mr Rolle said.

Whether or not the group gets to travel all over the world to compete, both Mr Rolle and Mr Justillen are happy to give the young people the opportunity to share in life changing experiences, which was the main reason for starting the Bahamas All Stars. To them, the group is much more than a marching band; it is a organisation seeking to develop young people from diverse communities, schools and backgrounds between the ages 13-18 through the performing arts.  

“Our vision is to unlock the full artistic potential of our young people that will empower them to become productive citizens,” said Mr Justillen.

Other objectives of the programme include: improving self-esteem and self-confidence, promoting academic excellence, fostering a spirit of co-operation among youth, exposing young people to their cultural heritage, and creating a general awareness of performing arts as it relates to academic performance and social development.

They also seek to improve the musical abilities of students and assist those with an interest in pursuing music professionally with tertiary educational opportunities.