Posted by
CaribShout on November 5, 2010 at 11:58pm
Cuban trumpeter Alex Baro, centre, passes on his knowledge of the horn instrument
More than 500 participants attended the just concluded series of developmental workshops for young musicians sponsored by First Citizens. Presented as a part of the T&T Steelpan & Jazz Festival 2010, the workshops targeted mainly teen musicians. However, young professionals and students from Costaatt and other institutions were all treated to exciting and informative sessions.
Canadian pianist, composer, and arranger, Jeremy Ledbetter, helmed a talented team of facilitators, which included Cuban trumpet virtuoso, Alexis Baró; Tobago-based steelband arranger Natasha Joseph, who recently conducted a steelpan workshop for more than 350 teens in Lake Forest, Delaware; and, jazz regulars Dougie Redon, Clifford Charles, and Leason Jacob, who added the local perspective.
Together, and in breakout groups, the facilitators led concept discussions and demonstrated techniques for playing jazz. Participants were keen to learn about the jazz idiom, and showed rapt attention throughout. At all four workshops there was a clamour for just a little bit more time.
For each session’s finale, lucky and brave participants gathered onstage to perform. They were received lustily and sustained applause from their peers. As in previous editions, workshops were held in Port-of-Spain and San Fernando. Two new venues—Sangre Grande and St Joseph were used this time around, as the organisers made changes to keep up with demand and fulfil their objective of taking these special workshop experiences to different communities across T&T.
