By Shirley Thomas

FORTY budding young musicians were last Friday awarded certificates after completing two weeks of intense training in music during a Summer Programme sponsored by Foundation 7 Music School.The programme, which lasted from July 8 to July 22, provided coaching in five areas: playing the guitar, drums, keyboard and steelpans; and catered for elementary, intermediate, and advanced level students.

Among the invitees at last Friday’s awards ceremony were parents of the participants, including Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton and Mrs Scotland. Young Judah Scotland received two certificates, one from the drum class and another from the guitar class.

During the programme, the audience was treated to inspiring renditions by various categories of the young music makers, who feel good about themselves. There were also impressive testimonials from representatives of each of the classes, who told of their love for music and what participating in the programme has done for them.

Among the select pieces rendered was one entitled “We are a Chosen Generation” – the combined efforts of all categories of the young musicians programme; as well as, “Let’s be United for Guyana”, by a group of juniors from the New Guyana School, who composed their own song and provided musical accompaniment on drums, guitars and keyboard.

It was a refreshing evening that brought pride and joy to the hearts of the students, parents and their teachers, as well as Foundation 7.

The school’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Reverend Williams, noted that there is need to bring back authentic music, which is a vital part of the learning process and an important part of one’s life.

It’s “a whole new field in a whole new world,” and brings priceless returns that last a lifetime, he said.

He expressed gratitude to coaches, parents and other stakeholders for the time and other resources invested in taking the students successfully through the programme.

Foundation 7 is a music school that was established about eight years ago. It was birthed out of the concern of six people: Reverend and Mrs. Ivan Williams of the Wesleyan Church in Guyana; and their four children, who are music-oriented and would like to see sophisticated music live on.

MUSIC IS VITAL
“We felt there was need to bring back authentic, genuine music to the fore. Music is a vital part in the learning process, and an important part in one’s life…music changes the world,” Reverend Williams said.

Foundation 7 has since been catering to the musical needs of many students of diversified age groups. Its oldest student is a 94-year-old guitarist, Public Relations Officer Angelisa Alexander said.

“We cater for children who would like to have that certificate, as well as for the musical needs of adults who would like to fulfill that musical pleasure and receive certification, or just want to quench that thirst for playing an instrument,” Alexander asserted.