Dear Source:
Just over one year ago, I announced a music program I started and was looking for help by way of materials and labor to construct music practice rooms for young musicians to be placed at AZ Academy, a private school on St. Croix, for use by students from any of the schools. I notified a radio talk show as well as letters to 17 schools, both public and private. The response was abysmal to say the least, however, with the help of a couple of businesses and some acquaintances, I was able to build the rooms and put them in place in April. As it was approaching the end of the school year, the program did not get off the ground as I had hoped. As the new school year started, AZ Academy made use of the rooms, the other schools did not. In fact, of the 17 I had contacted, only 2 responded.
In the meantime, I have built a stage just down from the school where the students can perform, practice, receive lessons, etc. and I am looking for music teachers willing to participate, give their input, support, and strategies. I contacted those schools again but only received a response from the same two. It is my conviction that we have great musical talent here in the islands and it can be exploited in the most positive way. Teachers, parents, the general public can identify potential talent with ambition, discipline, motivation, etc. There is no reason why we cannot cultivate that talent. Another Beethoven, Mozart, Wagner is not out of the question. Instruments are available, and for those with special requirements, arrangements can be made.
Even if those students do not reach celebrity status, they could have a backup career providing them with the independence most crave.
Richard C. McPherson
St. Croix
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