As the world celebrates International Drum Month, annually acknowledged in May, the St David’s Catholic Secondary School’s Drum Corps has been enriched by a US$12,000/EC$32,000 donation from the Sandals Foundation to support the musical talents of a dynamic group of 40 student members.
Described by many as “the rhythmic heartbeat of music,” the vibrantly gifted musicians beamed as they received brand new percussion instruments and accessories, including 20 traps and leg rests, 10 snare drums, 2 tenors and cymbals and one bass drum to add to their fleet. The instruments will enable students to further develop and showcase their skills and participate in nationally recognised competitions and festivals endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture.
Teacher in Charge Chad John said the donation will continue to make an incredible difference in the lives of the members and the wider school community. “Our Drum Corps has been very active and has experienced remarkable success over the past 10 years. Our students have demonstrated immense talent, dedication and passion for their craft. The cost of maintaining a high-quality drum corps can be substantial, and, with the support of the Sandals Foundation, we can continue to teach our students, who have, through this donation, strengthened their sense of pride,” John added.
The St David’s Catholic School Drum Corps boasts an impressive reputation for top-class performance that has also brought the magic of their sounds to guests at Sandals Grenada Resort, creating a vibrant, cultural experience for all.
Soloist Zackim Hosford said that the drum corps has been an influential part of his life. “Being part of the band has helped me to build on my communication skills, performance skills and my technical skills as a drummer. I love learning new runs and sequences from Mr John. Receiving these new drums is very exciting, so that we can practice more and on our own time without having to borrow drums.”
Simone Baptiste, drum corps majorette and final year student, shared similar sentiments: “To practice, we had to interchange drums; now we have more drums, so we can have more productive rehearsals. Although this is my last year as majorette, I know the team will take good care of the drums.”
St David’s alumnus and current bellman at Sandals Grenada Rennauld Greenidge attended the handing over ceremony; “I’m proud to be affiliated with these 2 prestigious organisations. Being part of the Sandals team and seeing the Sandals Foundation reaching my old school is a joyful and heartwarming occasion for me.”
For Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation, the support of the school band was a no-brainer. “Music education for children goes beyond learning the technical skills of playing an instrument. It helps children in their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Through these instruments, we hope to nurture the creativity, self-expression, and holistic development of our youth.”
Sandals Foundation