Eager, excited and elated students of the Holy Family Primary School greeted the Jamaican band CSharp, saxophonist Dean Fraser, the man from August Town, Dwayne Stephenson, and son of legendary reggae singer Jimmy Riley, Taurus Riley, as they were given an early Christmas treat by the entertainers at their school in Down Town, Kingston recently.
“I will stay in school, through the ups and the downs,” sung by Taurus Riley, was the refrain echoed by all the entertainers throughout the Christmas treat. Tied in with other encouraging words, seemed to have sunk deep in the hearts of their innocent spectators.
“Some of our students, because of the area they live in, have lost parents and are exposed to all kinds of violence. They possess the talent to do well, but they lack the motivation. With so many negative influences, we saw their need to be re-socialised, to sit still and be entertained by this kind of music. They have responded very well and we are happy about that. We saw this as a way of lifting their spirits and give them a sense of belonging, especially our boys, as they are the most influenced by their circumstances,” said Jeremy McGregor, one of the guidance counselors at the school.
Vice Principal, Mrs Marcia Richards- Gordon, who was also on hand to commend the effort said that, “The students thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment and it will have a positive and long lasting effect on the students. It will help them to appreciate this type of music, whilst helping to steer them in a more positive direction.”
“We see this as a way in which we can use our talents to contribute to the upliftment of our nation’s children through music, especially those who live in inner-cities. Our ultimate goal is to take this initiative all over Jamaica. We intend to show our children a different side to music, the more positive side, brought to them in the form of artistes they love,” said Hugh Hoilett, CSharp’s manager.
The successful event was an initiative of the Guidance Department of the school in collaboration with CSharp. Currently, Hoilett is seeking sponsorship from corporate entities and other organisations who would like to contribute in any way to make this programme an ongoing one.
