Research has shown that learning music facilitates the ability of students to learn other subjects and enhances skills that they inevitably use in other areas. It is also an avenue for students to be able to further their education through scholarship -- as was the case for two former Central Eleuthera High School students who have received music scholarships for post-secondary education -- one received a scholarship two years ago, and the second student received one in just the past year.
Central Eleuthera High School Band directors and music teachers Andrew Lewis and his wife Sonia Lewis are doing all they can to give their students the exposure to all the benefits music can bring.
"There was a study done on music for children and it was determined that children that play musical instruments end up using a higher percentage of their brains than the average student, so it really helps them a lot and opens up their brain and helps them to think more and on a more advanced level," said Lewis. "Music gives students the opportunity to gain scholarships for students who aren't able to pay for college."
Over the summer, the Lewis' traveled with five members of the band -- alto saxophonist, Astranique Gardiner; trumpet players, Omar Sineus, Krystalanne Thompson and Tyler Johnson, and clarinet player, Marvin Thompson -- to the Bethune-Cookman University's Annual Summer High School Band Camp in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Eleutherans joined fellow band campers from around the United States.
The students were exposed to the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience while living on campus. The students attended technology seminars, master classes and student forums. The camp participants also had the opportunity to develop their own marching music and routine that was showcased at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.
It was the Eleuthera group's first time at the one-week camp. Lewis said he was delighted he was able to give the children the opportunity to explore music beyond the boundaries of Eleuthera.
The Central Eleuthera High School has had a band presence since 1990, but when Lewis arrived at the school, it wasn't functioning. He revived the program. Since then, the school's band has become one of the top marching bands in the country. Comprised of students from seventh to 12th grade, the school band is one of the top bands in the country, having consistently placed in the top two bands at the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Competition. At last year's National High School Marching Band Competition, Central Eleuthera High School was second in the senior schools' drumline battle and took the top prize in the parade band competition. The Eleutheran high school also recorded a second place finish in the sound sport competition. Lewis is also looking forward to hosting another successful "Night of Music" concert and playing at the many functions the band is asked to perform at annually.
While there is no criteria that has to be met for students to enter the band program, once there, the Lewis' work to ensure that students maintain at least a 2.00 grade point average, which he said has worked, as many of their band members are leaders in their classes academically, as well as honor roll students.
The band has also become quite popular among students. Last school year, there were 52 band members. This year, Lewis said it looks like they will top that number.
Working together, Lewis said he and his wife, who focuses on the woodwind section of the band are looking to continue the successful consistency they've had over the past six years in band competitions as well as academically and having more of their students receive scholarships.

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