The Music programme at the St. Martin’s Secondary School received a tremendous boost on Tuesday January 24th 2014 with the donation of a quantity of musical instruments from one of the school’s alumni, Mr. Alexis Ballantyne.
Among the musical instruments donated are two keyboards, a fender amp for the keyboards, a drum set, two guitars, two tambourines, and microphones. The items are valued approximately US$1,500.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the school this morning, Principal of St. Martin’s Secondary, Mr. Wendel Edwards, expressed gratitude to Mr. Ballantyne for this generous donation which he said will bring tremendous benefits to the students.
Mr. Edwards said the school’s music programme started about two years ago and since then, it has grown.
He noted that music is compulsory for students from Forms 1-3, and disclosed that it is the intent of the school to have no less than ten students write the Music exams at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) in May/June 2019.
Kay Martin-Jack, Senior Education Officer responsible for Secondary Schools in her remarks issued an appeal for other persons in society to emulate Mr. Ballantyne by donating musical items to schools in this country.
Meanwhile, Monsignor Michael Stuart, Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors of St. martin’s Secondary said Music helps to discipline persons, and it is important that young men have disciplines to channel their energies in the right direction.
He urged the Music teacher and students to continue to strive for excellence.
