School is back in session at the Alpha Institute and March for Music Education was there to meet the students who will benefit from our scholarship drive held last March. Ten returning music students (7 of whom are pictured above) are receiving support for vocational and academic training, counseling, nutrition and meals, transportation to school and back home. Certain students are also benefiting from internship and work opportunities. Fourth-year saxophone player Andrew Taylor was recently announced as the recipient of the Lonely Whale Scholarship funded by Ghetto Youths Foundation.
The March for Music Education is a catalyst for music education and employment training in Kingston, Jamaica. The initiative is engaging musicians, record labels, management companies, and fans in support of the next generation of music makers. The executive director of the Alpha Institute, Sister Susan Frazer, said music education is at the heart of Alpha’s holistic programme. “I am so proud that we will be able to pass along these values to Andrew, our students, the Alpha community and all of Jamaica,” said Frazer.
March for Music Education 2019 snapshot
- US$49,738.66 raised or the equivalent of 10 scholarships from donors around the world including music fans, bands, labels and more.
- The Lonely Whale Scholarship funded by Ghetto Youths Foundation creates a paid internship in which the music student will use his music training to create PSAs about ocean health
- 150+ young musicians attended workshops, a masterclass and jam session led by Lauryn Hill’s drummer, George ‘Spanky’ McCurdy.
- At least 10 new music industry relationships for Alpha with which to build a longer term relationship for the benefit of Alpha students and the vocational programme.
The March for music education benefited greatly from the music industry in Jamaica and out. Many thanks to our industry supporters!
Alex Beram, co-organizer of the March for Music Education and a Boston-based former touring musician and artist manager (John Brown’s Body), credits international respect for Jamaican music and culture as well as Alpha’s unique educational programme for the success of the scholarship drive.
“The success of March for Music Education 2019 is due to the great efforts of many global music organizations,” said Beram, “and is a testament to the impact Jamaica and Alpha has had on musicians around the world. I have tremendous gratitude and admiration for what Alpha has been doing the past 100+ years, and look forward to continuing to play a role in supporting it in any way that I can.”
The March for Music Education is also focused on expanding the reach of music education in Kingston. Alex Rivas, an LA-based tour manager (Chronixx), artist relations and project manager, co-produced the March for Music Education Residency in Kingston (March 2019). Sponsored by Manifesto JA and Jamaica Nice, the residency organized workshops at the Alpha Institute, a public masterclass at Edna Manley College and a jam session for local musicians.
Rivas described the residency as “a platform and creative safe haven, giving Jamaican musicians the opportunity to collaborate and network with creatives and music industry influencers in other genres, and vice versa.”
Want to learn more about music education in Jamaica? Be a part of the March for Music Education mailing list. Sign up today and receive a complimentary Jamaican jazz song recorded by Ernest Ranglin and the Alpharians.
