Jazz Beat Goes On!

Jazz was still very much alive when I visited the Gros Islet Secondary School on Tuesday this week. Performances were put on by students, members of staff and invited local performers such as Sedale, well known for his songs ‘Pandemonium’ and ‘Neighbour.’ Sax Man and Pantastic Steel Orchestra also performed.

Assisting the school with the activity was Paints Plus, DMB Holdings, CFL, LUCELEC, Michael St Catherine, St Lucia National Lottery, St Lucia Credit Co-operative and Pantastic Steel Orchestra.

Despite a technical hitch or two, the student performers got into full swing, before a most appreciative audience. If the youngsters didn’t quite raise the roof over the jazz contributions, they certainly jumped and waved to the soca and Afro-beats.

If there’s a local school deserving of the title ‘Mecca for Arts’ the Gros Islet Secondary could be it. Every Tuesday the institution features lunch-hour music. Then there’s the gospel jam that students and teachers enjoy every last Tuesday of the month.

Teacher Tracey Dolcy took obvious pride informing me of the several music competitions her school has won, as well as scholarships. She was noticeably proud when one of her young students took to the stage to deliver the popular “All About that Bass.” Meanwhile, the squeals from admiring fellow students were deafening.