Seven young men from the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Concert Band returned home on Sunday 30th July after completing a rigorous 5 1/2-week Summer Band Camp at the University of the Virgin Islands in St Thomas.
This intense musical exercise has been a staple of the University’s summer offerings for several years, and Anguilla has been taking advantage of the opportunity for just as long.
The program culminated in a first class Final Summer Concert, a recital held at the Reichold Center for The Arts, featuring The Wind Ensemble, The Concert Band and The Jazz Ensemble. A variety of treasured pieces were performed to a dynamic and appreciative audience, including pieces such as Bruno Mars Greatest Hits, Cry Me a River, The Soulful Sixties, Hallelujah, Blue Moon and more.
The cohort to travel this year, comprised Kasem Thompson (trombone/Junior Counsellor), saxophonists Kyiv Edwards, Klein Harrigan, Michael Martin Jr. and Casey Richardson, Tyree Peters (clarinet) and Kamal Vanterpool (trumpet). These musicians distinguished themselves whilst representing Anguilla with pride, and received accolades and multiple awards spanning areas including musicianship and character.
Band Director, Lennox Vanterpool, is thrilled that these young musicians are now in a position to impart the skills acquired to the other band members while continually sharpening their own skill sets.
On behalf of ALHCS Principal, Ms Joyce Stewart; and Head of the school’s Music Department, Ms Daphne Jacobs Richardson; Vanterpool spoke glowingly and with appreciation about the following sponsors who made the experience possible:
The Anguilla Social Security Board, Anguilla Community Foundation, Right Reverend L. Errol Brooks and the Anglican Churches on Anguilla, Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs and the Anguilla Christian Council, The Anguilla Development Board, Willis Hodge and Tropical Distributors, Warren Buddle of Calypso Charters and Department of Youth and Culture.
