The Tranquility School of Music (TSM) was delighted to present its Student Recital on Sunday 25th June, 2017 at The Dominion Faith Center. This presentation was marked with high levels of emotion for students and families, as it was the first recital since the passing of its dynamic Founder, Ashena DeSouza. The Tranquility School of Music embraces the goal of keeping the mission of Teacher Ashena alive. A vivid vision she embraced, to make music a powerful force within the lives of her students – holistic, community-based and focused on celebrating life.
After an Opening Prayer and remarks by able Chairperson Vanessa Connor, twenty eight students performed a variety of heartwarming musical pieces embracing the various instruments of piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice, flute and saxophone. The Tranquility Steel Orchestra also gave two rousing renderings of Ashena’s favorite songs on steel pan, followed by a combined rendition with the TSM Voice Section – the Grand Finale – “Our Golden Jubilee”. This week, the annual Music Jeopardy Event will take place where two teams of TSM students will battle for the championship, by answering music related questions in a fun and competitive setting.
Ashena was a true musician – mind, heart and soul. She passed on her infectious talent and passion to her students, young and older, who nurtured a special love for music. Ashena included a mentorship component to her program where her students came out with much more than a musical experience. They were able to share with her, their aspirations, their week’s activities, their challenges, their fears, their passions. Ashena had a magical connection with her students.
Ashena had great plans which were already in motion for the further development of The Tranquility School of Music and she embraced a philosophy that the musical journey should be fulfilling in a holistic way. Her music school is more like a family unit, where the children’s talents and passions, even outside of the music arena are encouraged. Ashena believed in “paying it forward” and enhancing the musical output among youth in Anguilla. She leveraged opportunities through her stellar relationship with her past professor, Professor Venzen, from the University of the Virgin Islands, to play a key role in making a way for Anguilla’s young musicians to participate year after year in the UVI Summer Band Camp. She forged the way for musical enrichment opportunities and was a passionate ambassador for music in Anguilla.
A Board has been set up to continue the work of TSM headed by Chairperson and Musician, Ivan Francis; and Musical Director, Kasem Thompson. Plans are underway to set up a Foundation for the ongoing development of the music school in its mission of furthering music education in Anguilla. A Grand Benefit Concert is also planned for Saturday August 26th, so please save the date. For further information on how you can support the efforts of The Foundation please contact: Ivan Francis at aanddmusic@gmail.com or Pastor Desouza at phone # 772-2099.
– Contributed
