Band Camp culminates with performance and reception at Howard University
St. Maarten/Washington— Twenty Band Members of Generation New Status STM participated in a band camp held at Howard University in Washington D.C. from April 23- April 27th 2015. Students received instruction in percussion, musicianship, formation, teamwork and band fundamentals. Dion Wright-Nelson and Greg Jones of the Musicianship were the instructors of the camp. After the performance on Monday evening students were awarded certificates of achievement for their hard work at a reception at the University's Blackburn Center. Ari Sutton of Art Saves Lives Foundation served as the Project Manager for the Band Camp and thanked Karen Parker, Kathryn Boxill and Rassaii Elliot of Howard University for their assistance in making the Band Camp a reality. She also praised Urmain "Youmay" Dormoy for working together with Howard University to give the percussion experience to the band members, all who auditioned for a spot in the camp. Three dancers from Art Saves Lives Foundation also participated in the band camp and received classes in performance dance and stepping from Ryan K. Johnson of Circque du Soleil and Ms. Danielle Green of the Oo La La Dancers (Howard University Showtime Marching Band). "We are sending a strong message that St. Maarten organizations can work together in the interest of our children. This is just the beginning, we are looking forward to doing more for the children of St. Maarten", said Ari Sutton. Five parents and Board members also accompanied the band to Washington.
Generation New Status STM Members participating in the Band Camp were:
Jackisha Brooks, Simeon Brooks, Carter Caleb, Dishawn Chittick, Debia Cyrillien, Steven Cyrillien, Jamella Davellar, Randymar De Suza, Leatton Douglas, Zayana Fleming, Carl Goméz, Ashar Gumbs, Akeim Housen, Shandré James, Jonathan Leonard, Marlon Jno-Baptiste, Antonio Lake, Rupshen Long, Mareel Louison and Zakiya Reiph.
Art Saves Lives Students Clifford Henry, Celina Monsanto, and Dashaun Prince also participated in the workshop and took part in the performance on Monday evening. St. Maarteners and Anguillans living in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. attended the student presentation and praised the band for their great performance. The organizers were also pleased to have MP Cornelius De Weever, Nicole De Weever of Art Saves Lives and Reverend Dr. Bernard Richardson, Dean of Howard University Chapel in attendance.
