On Sunday, September 27th, the 40-plus member ALHCS Concert Band took to the stage at the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in East End. The occasion was the Band’s annual Sound Review showcase — now in its fifth year. The event was the culmination of a two-and-a-half week band workshop designed to immerse the young instrumentalists into the deeper levels of musical interpretation.
The Band is made up of young promising beginners, as well as seasoned specialists who provide encouragement and support to the younger cohort. The ensemble performed before a packed audience. The programme comprised varied items that paid tribute to the lives and legacies of three educators: the late Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs, Mrs. Verna Fahie and Prof. Austin A. Venzen.
Among the many striking renditions of an evening, filled with refreshing, heartwarming melodies, was an extra highlight featuring the angelic voice of Alaina Carty. Her captivating presentation of the American Standard, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, stirred the audience.
Following the energetic programme of musical talent, Director Lennox Vanterpool showered high praise and appreciation on all those connected with the event, especially Head of Music at the ALHCS, Mrs Kimba Southwell, Principal Rita Celestine Carty, and the Band Camp facilitators.
In speaking to The Anguillian, Mr. Vanterpool noted: “This labour of love continues to be rewarding and an absolute necessity for us and, more importantly, for the children. The absolutely boundless reach and scope that the music experience affords is priceless, and it is rewarding to see more and more students buying in to this very fact.”
In highlighting the intricate details which enrich the talents of the Band, Mr. Vanterpool observed: “This exhibition of rich musical talent — in an atmosphere which represents order and form — is most refreshing, and it represents the hope that we have for our youth and nation. But it is not the talent alone that gives us hope; it is that meticulous, disciplined attention to detail shared among the young facilitators that were, for me, most rewarding this time around. The Band’s shared learning, democratic discovery, and an understanding and enjoyment of the music, were on full display throughout the evening. I sense that we have only just begun!”
Principal of the ALHCS, Mrs. Rita Celestine Carty, referred to the tributes paid to the legacies of the three aforementioned educators. She noted: “SoundReview 2020 pays tribute to three important members of our community who have recently left us in body, but who will certainly ever remain with us in spirit. These individuals have touched several lives, and the life of our school in indelible ways.
“Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs was the Chairman of the ALHCS Board of Governors at the time of his passing on Friday, September 4th 2020. He had dispensed duties related to this role up to Thursday, September 3rd. The Board of Governors of the School continues to be grateful for the grace of his leadership and the contributions he made to the continued growth and stability of the institution.
“From 1970, when she first entered the teaching profession and for evermore, Mrs. Verna Fahie will be known as a champion for education in Anguilla – one who would turn over every stone to ensure that the needs of students, at every level were well served. Not only would she demand a high quality of service of others, but her own hands were always at the plough demonstrating how it was to be done. She was passionate about education and loved to see students thrive.”
Finally, Mrs. Carty spoke of Professor Venzen: “Even closer to this musical milieu was, and remains, Professor Austin A. Venzen. As the longstanding Chair of Music at the University of the Virgin Islands and Associate Professor of Woodwinds, he was instructor of music to our own Lennox Vanterpool, Kimba Southwell, Shermel Archibald and Chrystal Duncan. In addition, many of the past and current band members were fortunate to sit at his feet through the annual UVI Summer Band Camp. His indomitable spirit lives through the lives of those blessed to be called his students. Sound Review 2020 was thus a celebration of life, living and the legacies of these dear departed.”
The entire performance was enhanced by the fine graphics engineering of audio/visual professional, Garian Fleming, who tastefully matched appropriate scenic effects with each selection. This ‘marriage’ of the audio and visual gave the venue and the live-streams that cinematic feel reserved for world class theatres.
The organisers of SoundReview extend acknowledgements and thanks to all who contributed to the event, and they are grateful for the supportive sponsorship. These supporters include: God, The Almighty Creator of Music; Rt. Rev L. Errol Brooks; Rev Fr. R. Christian; Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty; Mrs. Kimba Southwell; Terone Hodge-Carty; Raheem Carty; Garian Fleming; Gilbert “GAF” Fleming; Lloyd Live; The Anguillian; Klass FM 92.9; Upbeat Radio 97.7 FM; Radio Anguilla 95.5; Grace FM 99:3; SoundReview Counselors; SoundReview Camp Participants; Alberts Marketplace; TJ’s Café; Ms. Zulma Webster; Ms. Krystie Webster; Ms. Gina Brooks; Mrs. Althea Hodge; ALHCS Concert Band; Parents/Supporters; Music Educators of Anguilla; ALHCS Concert Band Alumni; Sunset Homes Anguilla; Imige Trucking and Pam’s Wings Caterers.
Proceeds collected are to benefit the ALHCS Covid Relief Effort.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
