THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the United States embassy based in Georgetown, during the first week of July collaborated to host  music workshops and a concert at the Umana Yana, with a six-member, Florida-based Military Band. The band, which comprised bass, woodwind, piano and percussionist musicians came to participate in the embassy’s Fourth of July celebration; but nevertheless took up the invitation of the Culture Ministry to interact and share their skills with local musicians and music students.
According to a press release issued by the Culture Ministry, the band conducted a workshop at the Umana Yana on July 2, and elementary training in saxophone, trumpet, trombone, keyboard and bass guitar.
“One hundred local participants from the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Music Teachers’ Association and other interested persons benefited from the interactive learning session…Specially invited were about 40 members of the Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church, Albouystown-based, Marching Band- the Mercury Drum Corps.”
Later that day, the Military Band performed at a concert held at the Umana Yana, which attracted the presence of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony; US Ambassador Mr. Brent Hardt, and officials from the Culture Ministry amongst others.
On July 4, after performing at the U.S. embassy-hosted Independence celebration, the band journeyed to President’s College, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara for a music workshop and concert for students and staff.
This collaboration between the Culture Ministry and the U.S. embassy was in keeping with the objectives of both the Ministry of Culture’s National School of Music and the Ambassador’s stated aim, to increase the exchange of cultural activities, with emphasis on music.