It Takes A Village: Mentorship in the English-Speaking Caribbean
Tuesday 4 October, 2022 MUSI 322-01
Mentorship in Caribbean Music - English
Whether you're a proud Trinidadian/Trinbagonian who anticipates the fierce yet delightful competition at the annual "Panorama" or a fired-up Bahamian who finds joy in the intense drumming or angelic vocals during the chilling performances of our national youth bands. Regardless of what gets you jumping and makes it feel almost impossible to sit still, these heart racing performances wouldn't be possible without the one theme this blog focuses on.... you got it! None if the previously mentioned would be possible without MENTORSHIP.
1. RHYTHM 'N YOUTH - THE BAHAMAS
Now listen to me, and listen to me good. I have never been interested in native music more than I am now. Growing up, I honestly dreaded the days of having to drive home with my grampy while he moved and grooved to what he called "good ole" Bahamian music. However, it wasn't until I started participating in summer youth camps that I realized Bahamian music really is sweet.
The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture normally held an end of summer showcase to display the skills and talents learned by young children over the summer. Initially, I was under the impression that it would be a huge dancers hub, as I always attended the dance camps. However, to my surprise, there were choirs, bands and even gymnast ensembles. While each performance amazed me, The Bahamas' very own Rhythm 'n Youth. From the picture shown below, I sure y'all could tell lil man dem was feeling the rake-and-scrape:
Rhythm 'N Youth rake-and-scrape band performing at The Bahamas' 2016 "Junkamania" competition. (courtesy of image by "Tourism Today")
I pray y'all know about this youth group because the members of this group are always so energetic and passionate about the lively performances they put on. Buttttt (helplessly sighs while rolling eyes).... for those of you who aren't aware of this group and their exceptional performances, let me "put y'all on". This all-boys rake-and-scrape band was founded by Mr. Nathaniel Adams Jr., who explained in a brief interview with reporters, that this group is trying to pass on the rake n' scrape traditions to the younger generation (Junkamania Competition Takes Center Stage at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, 2016).
Likewise, Gangelhoff and LeGrand (Gangelhoff & LeGrand, 2020) express that this rake n' scrape group serves as a "musical and personal mentorship program from grade-school students, as it provides local workshops that aim to preserves and revitalize rake-and-scrape". I've inserted a clip of one of their many performances and you guys can feel free to watch, shake a leg and everything in between:
The video above showcases the Rhythm 'N Youth's 2019 performance at the Bahamas Red Cross Fair. Although girls are present in this performance, it is quite evident that the band is dominated by young boys. This performance is quite special and different from the others thanks to the accompaniment of the live band to the far back. This group's instruments are normally made up of the carpenter's saw, maracas and goatskin drums; each of which blend together beautifully to produce groovy and authentic rake n' scrape.
2. PANORAMA - TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
"Steelpan", "Steel drum", "Musical metal tub", "silver drum" or whatever you choose to call it, Trinidad and Tobago's instrument known as the Steel Pan has paved the way for many youngsters. More importantly, the Steel Pan, which was initially constructed using discarded 55-gallon oil drums, currently serves as the national instrument of Trinidad & Tobago. The instruments themselves are hosted in a rehearsal space known as the "panyard" which also functions as a social haven for steelbands. In addition to both of these functions, the panyard acts as fertile soil for growing young musicians who become rooted in the local Trinidadian culture of the pan community by being watered with extensive pan traditions and training.
Exodus Steel Pan group rehearsing in Panyard 2013 (Image courtesy of Bing images)
This mentorship space (i.e., the panyard) enables youngsters to prepare for a significant national event held in Trini, known as "Panorama". The event originated in 1963 and has bloomed into a prominent steelband competition ever since. Shown below is a video performance of the "Exocubs": an award-winning junior band of "Exodus", which is one of the top Panorama groups:
Exocubs Steel Orchestra rehearsing in Exodus Panyard
Now the reason I chose to highlight this specific mentorship program of trini is because of the authentic sound (or illusion) produced by raw materials. It demonstrates how creative and talented Caribbean people are. My former primary school (shout out to anyone who attended Uriah McPhee) formed a steelpan band which I considered the best thing to ever happen during my time there. The performances were always so lively and not to mention..loud. However, it wasn't a "bad" loud, but one that made you yearn for more, like the way you beg for seconds from a hot pot of flavorful dumpling soup on a cold, rainy day. Y'all hungry yet? Anyway.. the point I'm trying to make here is that, this one instrument has led to young people winning cash and other prizes, solely based off of raw, musical talent. Steelbands are now found throughout the world and if that isn't something to brag about, then beat me and call me conch (let's pretend this makes sense in this context).
3. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (YEP) - THE BAHAMAS
The Bahamas' Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), founded in 2012 is one of many after school mentorship programs offered to high school students anywhere from grade 9-12. As noted on their public website, YEP's vision is to "inspire young people to compete on the world stage" (YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM, n.d.). This program coincides with the high school calendar, which makes it more convenient for kids to transition into the program, as it doesn't interfere with their holiday breaks. More importantly, students meet once a week for 2 hours.
The list below highlights just a few of the countless activities YEP members take part in throughout the school year to ensure that they benefit from the holistic life skills the program affords them:
Fun Run
Speech Contests
Community Service
Church Services
Talent Shows
Road Trips
Although the list goes on and on, you guys get the idea. These students gain great exposure and learn how to work among others while also blooming into like-minded well-rounded individuals.
If you watch the video above, you'd probably die from laughter from watching the various gestures and facial expressions of the YEP members. The video speaks on the program's 6th year milestone, in which the directors held a celebration at St. John's College (a local private school in Nassau, Bahamas). I personally look forward to seeing the program blossom at an international level, as it truly provides a safe space for young children.
Well! What a mouthful that was! All of the information presented within part 2 of this blog is not even the half of it. As a matter of fact, there are countless mentorship programs within the English-Speaking Caribbean not mentioned in this segment, such as Saint Lucia's collaborative relationship with the Venezuelan El Sistema program and Trini's Moko jumbies in Port of Spain.
Don't worry blog bestie! I have alot more in store regarding mentorship in the Caribbean. You just have to sit tight and enjoy the ride. But as for right now? That's all folks!
SN: Hey guys, Gabby the mentorship advocate here! Outside of my witty comments throughout this blog, I truly hope that this blog session was an informative one for you. Feel free to dive into the world of mentorship either in the text from Tour De Force (Gangelhoff & LeGrand, 2020), or in the great big sea of information on the internet. Until next time!
References
Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2020). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean (1st ed.). Sound Caribbean.
Junkamania competition takes center stage at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. (2016, May 10). Tourism Today. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.tourismtoday.com/news/junkamania-competition-takes-center-stage-bahamas-junkanoo-carnival
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM. (n.d.). Mysite. Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.yepbahamas.org/program
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