The Tribune

Schools throughout New Providence and the Family Islands will battle for top prizes in the Bahamas National High School Marching Band Competition, scheduled for Saturday, March 29, at Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

Plans for the competition were announced during a press conference at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

It is anticipated that scouts from colleges in the Florida Marching Band Coalition will attend the competition in search of talent for their institution’s marching bands.

Education, Science and Technology Minister Jerome Fitzgerald described the event as more than just a competition.

He said, “It is hope for those students with musical talent. To them music is literacy and music inspires them to learn.”

Mr Fitzgerald said he hopes the competition proves to be about showcasing the talents of students, and that many of them end up with scholarships as a result.

Members of Parliament have supported an initiative launched by Mr Fitzgerald to afford students an opportunity to attend college and have donated $106,200 to be used to purchase musical instruments for school bands in various constituencies.

The minister expressed thanks to principals, music teachers and band directors who have embraced the programme.

“Without their support this would not be possible. It demonstrates that we are all committed to the empowerment of students whether it is through academics, sports or the art of music,” he said.

Sidney Strachan of Intelligent Business Solutions and Cathy Kersten of Florida Marching Band Coalition are among the organisers of the event.

Two of the participating bands, Government High and AF Adderley Jr High School, gave short performances outside the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology following the briefing.