Aidin Richardson and ZuJian Elvis Wu
On the evening of Monday 26 June, 2023, DCC Music Studio presented in recital, a Showcase of Talents by CSEC Music Candidates 2023 – the first of its kind.
The evening began with a prelude of students’ compositions projected on screen with playbacks from a music software –MuseScore prior to 6:30 pm. This display of work was well received by the audience and was followed by a rendition of Sinach- He Did it Again sung by 5 students of DCC Music studio for the processional of candidates. The opening prayer was delivered by Pastor Kathleen Richardson, followed by a rendition of the national anthem played on trombone by Kasem 
Thompson and accompanied by Devaunie Richardson. The national song was sung by Michealanne Benjamin and Shaumelle Hodge, accompanied by Khorey Barrett on piano. The opening remarks were presented by Michealanne Benjamin who established the protocol and introduced the chairperson, Ms. Lois Hazell.
Ms. Lois Hazell
Ms. Hazell gave a brief overview of the CSEC Music program. She spoke about the SBA moderation exercise which requires students to perform one solo piece, scale and arpeggio and one ensemble piece graded both by music teacher and the moderator. She explained that weeks later a practical exam follows requiring candidates to perform their 2nd solo piece, scale and arpeggio and conduct a live performance of an original composition or an arrangement of a simple piece (e.g. a nursery rhyme) transcribed by candidates. During this practical exam candidates must also submit their Composition and Arrangement portfolio with full scores and audio recordings of their arrangement and composition. They must also complete a viva voce exercise with varied questions asked by examiner on scores in their performance portfolio which is a compilation of ensemble and solo pieces usually covered from 3rd to 5th form. Candidates also provide feedback as a storyline on their arrangement and composition.
The highlight of the evening was the eight CSEC candidates performing solo and ensemble pieces of varied genres and conducting a live performance of their arrangement played by musicians which included past CSEC Music students, music teachers and civil servants. Those who played steelpan were accompanied by music teacher Casey Richardson.
ZuJian Elvis Wu performed on French horn and double tenor steelpan, Aidin Richardson on piano and clarinet, Jelani Gumbs on alto saxophone and double tenor steelpan, Amiyah Carry on piano and recorder, Rayvia Hodge on piano and violin, Richard Grant on electric bass, Najique Davis Edwards on piano and electric bass and Khorey Barrett on piano and alto saxophone. All students delivered their renditions beautifully, with confidence and style. The appreciative audience appeared to enjoy the performances tremendously with smiles on their faces and in some cases rocking to the beats.
Certificates of Appreciation were then distributed by owner of DCC Music studio Mrs. Daphne Jacobs Richardson and parent Mrs. Rochelle Grant.
Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, parent of one of the candidates, presented the Vote of Thanks. Special mention was made of Cordane Richardson, son of Corvette Richardson and Daphne Jacobs Richardson who offered a course in composition to candidates of DCC Music studio and to Daphne Jacobs Richardson, owner and tutor of DCC Music Studio for staging this recital.
The program concluded with an ensemble performance of Canon in D by Pachabel presented by the eight candidates. They performed on keyboard, bass guitar, clarinet, French horn and different families of the well-known Baroque instrument -the recorder – namely descant alto, tenor and bass recorders. There were also a few MuseScore playbacks of candidates Arrangement and Compositions.
The recital was well attended, and many persons spoke highly of the students’ performances. One person said, “I was thrilled and impressed by all the performances.” Others described it as, “an absolutely amazing experience,” “a really great evening,” “the variety and versatility was off the charts,” “it was indeed a classy event” and “a great job by students”.
DCC Music Studio would like to thank all persons who attended the recital and for those who were unable but sent well wishes.
When asked about the CSEC Music program Mrs. Jacobs Richardson commented, “It began in 2003 with the first group sitting their exams in 2005. This subject has quite a number of requirements to be fulfilled by candidates, which require proper planning and execution with dedication and commitment to tasks both by teacher and candidates. I encourage all to continue with an unwavering passion to promote music education in Anguilla.”
