The Tribune

The world-famous Bahama Brass Band, now celebrating its 95th year, will be hosting their national event for 2020 in the form of a Brass Band Symposium.

This event will kick off tomorrow and continue until Saturday at the Church of God of Prophecy, East Street Tabernacle, starting at 10am daily.

This second symposium hopes to give exposure to some of the country’s most talented high school musicians with an opportunity to attain university scholarships via band auditions.

Over the years decades, than 200 individuals had benefited from music scholarships for tertiary education abroad. A number of international band directors have also frequented the islands over the years to scout talent from the Bahamas with satisfactory results. Many students have attained their undergraduate degrees as a result of these brass band scholarships.

For this weekend’s symposium, the band will welcome Dr Donovan Wells of the Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats and Professor Kedrick Redding of the Edward Waters Marching Band. Both directors represent the successful historic HBCU educational institution located in Florida.

While the Edward Waters Brass Band is considered a mid-size band, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats is one of the largest marching organisations in the US with a membership of over 300. The Bethune-Cookman band has successfully produced a highly acclaimed documentary on for Netflix entitled “Marching Orders” featuring band director Dr Wells.

Attendees are expected to glean invaluable insights into getting the most out of college life as a band student. Both directors have asked those coming to audition to prepare a solo piece, be proficient in their musical scales and perform a sight-reading exam.

An university band freshman will share his experience and dispense advice. Individuals will also hear from a spiritual leader and a fitness expert.

The idea for the Brass Band Symposium came from national band director David Beneby. According to committee member G Sean Gibson, this event is open to all students, parents, community and church bands, music educators and music lovers, also those who are contemplating college in general should attend.

Registration for the symposium is $10, and includes writing materials and refreshments.