Montserrat’s youth orchestra got a boost this week thanks to the generous donation of musical instruments from an overseas non-profit music group.
Guernsey Music Service has partnered with Small Beginnings to support it in providing the island’s children with free access to music.
The Governor’s Office in a press release said the generous donation was an excellent example of the British family working together for the “greater good”.
“Playing music is not only enjoyable but provides numerous cognitive, emotional and social benefits for children,” the office said.
“Music enhances the overall development of children and contributes to their wellbeing and resilience.”
A drum kit, French horns, clarinets, cellos, violas and written music were handed over at John A Osborne Airport on Monday, 5 February.
Governor Sarah Tucker, Acting Premier Samuel Joseph, and founder of Small Beginnings, Herman ‘Cupid’ Francis, were on hand to receive the donation.
A musical partnership
The connection with Guernsey Music Service was made after Governor Tucker asked if any group in the British family wanted to partner with Montserrat.
Director of the Guernsey non-profit, Tim Wright, immediately responded.
With the support of Guernsey’s Lieutenant Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, a relationship with Montserrat was born.
The governor, who is a patron of the youth orchestra, said the partnership was created out of a mutual belief that music is a critical part of human development.
“No matter what your age, your ability, through music of all varieties, you can develop the skills to express yourself, to lose yourself, to be social, to learn to have fun, and most of all to just be yourself,” she said.
Tucker thanked both Wright and Cripwell for their support and urged parents of members of the orchestra to embrace the opportunity.
She asked them to “encourage practice in between classes and to be very proud of your children for having the courage to start from scratch and learn new music”.
“Please support them, help them continue to develop, and most of all make sure they have fun.”
The governor also thanked Francis who she said tirelessly drives music across Montserrat and makes music accessible to everyone on island.
“You continue to give your time and energy to ensure music is available available for all and specifically… your patience, kindness and enthusiasm with the children at Small Beginnings.
“It makes something wonderful, even more special. This partnership is happening because of you and the work you do here,” Tucker said.
A successful collaboration
Acting Premier Samuel Joseph said in a world where everything seems to be going wrong, the donation is a is a beacon for everything that has gone right.
He said the both playing in an orchestra and the new partnership are examples of successful collaboration.
Joseph also thanked Francis who he said has been working tirelessly through the years to help the people of Montserrat and transfer his knowledge of music to them.
“If we all work together in music, we can accomplish things and we have accomplished things,” he said.
He added that the government is committed to finding a permanent location for music lessons for children.
“We can do our part, the government, all of us can play our instrument and produce beautiful music that I know we can do,” Joseph said.
Francis, who teaches string, brass and reed instruments, spoke at the event to set out why music is so important and must remain accessible.
“It is getting more and more accepted that musical education is an important part of the overall development and well being and roundedness of individuals,” he said.
“I’m pleased to observe that all over the world musical education is further recognised.”
He stressed that music education is not just theory, but being able to play a musical instrument, and that should not only be made available to those who can afford it.
Francis said his goal is to make sure every child on Montserrat is exposed to music education.
He thanked those involved in the partnership as well as the governor’s husband Howard Tucker, who is a patron of the orchestra and helps to teach.
Thanking the Martins
The governor also welcomed to the event two of Beatles producer Sir George Martin’s children – Lucie Kitchener and Giles Martin – who were visiting Montserrat.
The George Martin Foundation made a financial donation to the Governor’s Office which will be used to support the partnership with Guernsey Music Service.
In the past, the Martin family have raised the funds to build the Montserrat Cultural Centre and have previously provided music teachers to the island.
“We thank you and the foundation for the continued support for Monsterrat and music,” Tucker said.
“And I would like to take this opportunity to publicly say thank you to your mom and dad for all that they’ve done for this lovely island.
“I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting them, but I feel as though I know them, as so many people here were their friends and I know remain your friends.
“Their memory is held by us all with a huge amount of love and affection.”
