A High School Band Competition For Students Throughout The Bahamas
Recently launched is the country’s newest community program, seeking to engage student musical talent through mentorship and participation in a pop band competition set for February 2017. The Music Project promises to pair Bahamian music icons with high school student musicians to create a fresh new sound in the nation.
Founded by Bahamian recording artist and producer, Mr. Andrew ‘Drew Harmony’ Gardiner III who is propelled by a passion for the industry and the uniqueness, history, and culture of Bahamian sound, The Music Project’s concept began formulating in 2015. In many conversations among friends and family on how to combat social challenges within Bahamian youth populations, including underdevelopment of professional skills, violence, and boredom, Andrew Gardiner, Co-Founder and President of The Music Project, shared:
“Our biggest goal is that The Music Project provides a positive outlet for youth development through the arts. Not only is the program designed with dedicated practice, responsibility, and teamwork in mind, but it provides a much needed platform for creative and gifted young people of The Bahamas.”
The son of Mr. Andrew ‘Andy’ Gardiner Jr. and Mrs. Kay Gardiner, owners of Zamar Group- the leading audio-visual production company in The Bahamas and title sponsor of The Music Project- in his own experience as a music producer, songwriter, and performer, Andrew Gardiner has been afforded many great opportunities that he hopes to impart and pay-forward to the next generation of talent.
Unique to The Music Project is a goal towards the growth and development of students by way of mentorship. By forging meaningful partnerships between accomplished Bahamian entertainers and amateur student bands, the program seeks to incite a passion for performance while participants of the competition become familiar with industry standards and trade secrets. Wendi Lewis, solo pop artist and vocalist for Visage has already signed on in an advisory role for the competition.
The Music Project’s high school band competition for all public and private school students is central to musicianship, spirited performance, and pride of accomplishment. In the months leading up to the competition, students are expected to refine their skills in music, band image, and critical thinking before performing a selection of songs in a public arena comprised of peers, music masters, tourism and cultural ambassadors.
On Saturday, February 4, 2017, in an exciting afternoon of back-to-back performances by student bands, this high-production competition will feature a panel of local and international judges from different sectors of the entertainment industry. Between seasoned judges and an audience of spirited students, parents, guardians, local musicians, community partners, and the general public will help to decide which band reigns supreme.
One winning group will receive the ultimate gift: a summer study abroad course concentrating on music performance and sound design at the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Other cash prizes and an opportunity to professionally record music are additional awards of the competition.
Ms. Kay-Andra Gardiner, Chairman of The Music Project said, “Our team has been very careful to create a program and event that is world-class and worthy of an international stage. We’re eager to see The Music Project’s vision of building spirited communities where cultural expression is encouraged and supported in an industry where infinite talents, hobbies, and career opportunities exist come fruition next year.”
Student registration for The Music Project will begin immediately following the reopening of schools in August 2016. For more information on becoming a partner, mentor, or participant of this inaugural event, visit: www.tmpbahamas.com, call: (242) 698-0140, or email: info@tmpbahamas.com. Follow daily program updates on The Music Project’s social media handles found on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Youtube.
By Anna Bancroft
