PHILIPSBURG:--- It is with great pride that NIA with the support of the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, Culturismo Fonds op Naam has brought to conclusion the proposed project of three performances and collaboration between the Family String Band and the NIA’s Youth Orchestra. NIA director Ms. Halley Newhouse states that “With this, we wanted to continue the legacy of St. Martin’s cultural heritage. To instill national pride and identity in the youngsters via the Youth orchestra by exposing them first-hand to the ‘older heads’ with their traditional cultural music and instruments. As an ensemble, they shared their skills in music with visitors on the island and the local public. Alongside the institute aims for a positive impact on the Orange Economy, eradicating taboos around arts and careers, arts and money, and arts and sustainability”.
The two ensembles performed in three distinct settings; the Divi Little Bay Resort open to a tourist and local audience, the Boardwalk, and the Sonesta Maho Resort which was closed to the public and catered only to the resort’s guests. All concerts were well attended, and the project received great comments of uniqueness and great collaboration between the young and the old and much encouragement to continue with the collaborative project. The traditional repertoire of 10 songs contributed to the student’s technical musical skills and the scores by conductor Neville James for the first time have found a home at NIA.
NIA wishes to thank the Family String band and the Culturismo Fonds op Naam for this opportunity and looks forward to a second round of Music Brings People Together
