Music indeed came like a sudden revolution to San Pedro. A few weeks ago Carlos Perrote, the renowned Cuban music instructor in Belize, announced the first ever music summer program in San Pedro. It was intended to give the children of San Pedro something interesting, and practical to do during their long and at times boring summer vacations. However, over 60 persons enrolled in the music program and three weeks ago it kicked off with a bang.
During the first week of classes at San Pedro High School, Maestro Perrote took these kids and a few adults to a new level of music. It was all about percussions of different kinds and steel pans – the latter taking extreme interest and motivation. Kids did not want to skip one single class. They were punctual and well disciplined. In fact some even skipped their vacation trips to remain in the program. Such was the transformation of the children and indeed their entire families in their attitude about music. It seemed so interesting; it seemed so attainable, so easy.
And to mark the completion of their participation in the music summer program, the children and few adults were given their certificates this past Friday, August 9, 2013 and they in turn put on a show. And what an astounding show it was. It left an almost packed house at the Angel Nunez Auditorium stunned and most pleasantly surprised.
“I felt goose bumps,” commented one mother. “I felt like crying,” another one remarked. Mayor Danny Guerrero remarked, “I am fascinated with the talent of our children and of the music instructor as well. This is certainly good for San Pedro.”
The audience was captivated with the stunning production by the drumming section with over 20 different types of drums and percussion instruments. And when it came to the Steel Band presentation everyone was on their feet and clapping and shouting with ecstasy. The most used words during the morning were: “awesome”, “unbelievable”, “amazing” and of course, “We got to continue with this tempo.” And certainly, by tempo, the audience means the rhythm of the musicians, and the high spirited pulse of a community that is now crying out for its own steel band. Ambergris Today is happy to note that we have it all: The musicians, the instructor, and the entire community behind this magnificent undertaking.
And just exactly how do we continue with this? Perrote tells us we need $50,000US for a complete set of steel pans. Mayor Daniel Guerrero mention to Ambergris Today that the Town Council has always wanted to initiate a Music Program/Center on the island and being inspired and amazed with the results of the music summer camp, he and the Area Representative Manuel Heredia , have pledged to start making this program a reality as soon as possible.
Both Mayor Guerrero and Hon. Heredia have pledged their financial support and will help the community with fundraisers and seek the support of the business community to further aid in making the music program a success for the island. Work has commenced in creating a committee to head the fundraising efforts and announcements will be made on upcoming fundraisers.
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