[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Saint Lucia School of Music (SLSM) has received a grant from the Windsong Foundation (a US-based philanthropic organisation) to assist in the delivery of a music project aimed at students with talent and a strong interest in music. As a result, fifty at-risk youth have been granted a full tuition scholarship to attend intensive orchestral/choral training three days per week at the school’s main campus at Tapion, Castries. The project, deemed “The System of Youth Orchestras and Choirs” (and launched as part of a series of activities to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the school) is being delivered by highly trained faculty of the SLSM supported by young mentors and teacher trainees.
This after-school project, officially launched on Saturday June 23, 2018, has a strong social-inclusion focus and will use music as a transformative tool to provide greater opportunities to vulnerable children aged 8-15 years. The project, which builds on the school’s past successes in this area, uses a highly structured environment to provide young participants with a foundation in music along with other transferrable skills that will help prepare them to be the next generation of mentors, leaders and positive contributors to the general society.
In addition to tuition scholarships, transportation and a limited number of orchestral instruments have been provided for a period of one year (or the duration of the grant period). The new recruits will join other students at the school who have access to an integrated foundation in the practice of music using an adapted “El Sistema” model.
Within the scope of the project, there is an additional component for music with emphasis on special needs. It is the school’s intention to train teachers of music in this area, along with a number of students who are differently abled.
In identifying and selecting the students who met the strict criteria, the SLSM worked closely with the Ministry of Education through the relevant District Education Officers, Principals and Music Teachers. Over fifty schools participated in a competitive application and selection process. Due to the prohibitive cost of return transportation and anticipated lengthy commute times, it was not possible to extend scholarships to students who reside outside the education districts one-four for this phase. The SLSM hopes that with increased public/private sector support it will be able to extend its reach to a greater number of students island-wide.
