Even after 35 years of existence, The Bahamas National Youth Choir, currently under the direction of Dexter Fernander continues to serve as an incubator for upcoming Bahamian Musicians.

In the words of current choristers “the choir provides the opportunity to not only preform, but to learn and grow.”

In preparation for their 10th Annual Christmas Concert held December 18th at Trinity Methodist Church, the choir welcomed Dr. Christy Lee, an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University.

Dr. Lee, a long-time friend of the Bahamas National Youth Choir says she is always impressed with how the young people of the choir present their culture and their music.

“The biggest thing that impresses me is that you (the choir) would do so many styles. Most choirs will do one thing really well, the classical or their folk music.

But from the first concert I saw, you (the choir) did everything, and you (the choir) did everything equally well and is what represents you guys (the choir) so beautifully” Dr. Lee said.

Dr. Lee, who flew in to accompany the choir at their Christmas concert, noted that her favorite pieces presented this year were ‘Feliz Navidad’ arranged by Jose Feliciano and ‘We are Christmas’ arranged by Kevin Johnson and Sarah Stephens.

Additionally, Dr. Lee is pleased to announce that she is in The Bahamas doing recruitment for both Undergraduate and Graduate level degrees at Mississippi State University.

“At the undergraduate level, we have a Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in music, much like those at the University of The Bahamas.

We also have a new program that’s a Master of Music Education” said Dr Lee.

“The program has three tracks, there’s instrumental for band directors, choral for choir directors and then elementary music for those who want to teach younger children.

It’s designed to be taken over three summers so that if you’re employed or already teaching, you don’t have to leave your job to do the program” she continued.

The Master of Music is a hybrid program designed to support music professionals in the advancement of both their pedagogical and musical skills.

Included in the degree is performance practice, conducting, pedagogy, curriculum, music theory, history, and the essentials of research in music education.

Choir Director Dexter Fernander is especially happy about this amazing opportunity for Bahamians. “It is crucial to both individual growth as well as the improvement of the choir.

It gives this institution a benchmark for international standards and also current industry trends” said Fernander.

When asked “why Mississippi State?”, he responded, “Mississippi state University is becoming a ‘trend setter’ for music education as most of their faculty yearly present at international music conferences.”

The Bahamas National Youth Choir looks forward to a working relationship Mississippi State University for the advancement and enhancement of Bahamian Artists.