The ABYSO is thrilled to have three professional music educators on Island as part of its annual Tutors in Residence programme. The ABYSO provides a hybrid year-round training programme of virtual and face to face workshops led by post-conservatory level trained musicians supported by local music teachers. The Tutors in Residence programme is the face-to-face component of this training.
This summer, the ABYSO welcomed British violinist Litsa Tunnah for 10 weeks, American flautist Cassie Lear for three weeks and Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Music History at Boise State University, Idaho, Dr Zach Buie for 2 weeks. The workshops culminated in a recital series for brass, junior strings, senior strings and woodwinds attended by the ABYSO Patron H.E. Sir Rodney Williams.
In addition to teaching the brass students, Dr Buie presented a lecture to school principals and education officers on “The Importance of Arts Education in Curriculum Development”. In this lecture, he shared insights on the impact of the arts on instilling resilience in children, its utility as a vehicle to develop determination and self-reflection, its capacity to embolden students to ask questions and imagine what could be and to encourage them to approach challenges with disciplined effort. Dr Buie posited that arts education rightfully belongs in the centre of the student’s educational experience, and the rewards of such investment in our youth are inherently sustainable.
The ABYSO extends special thanks to Vere and Myrna Smith of Avec Amour for hosting the end of summer workshop recitals at their beautiful facility. A big thank you is also extended to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Inn at English Harbour, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, the ABRSM and Gaye Hechme of Island Living for their support of the ABYSO Academy 2021 Tutors in Residence Programme.
Photos from Cassie’s Visit
Photos from Litsa’s Visit
Photo Album from Dr Zach Buie Visit
