BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS another summer season beings, Cultural Doctor Winston 'Zack' Nisbett is keeping true to his dedication to have youths trained in playing the old time musical instruments with the hosting of another Summer Instruments Workshop.
The Fife, Banjos, Quatro and Guitar Workshop began yesterday (July 29) and would see over 40 children in attendance learning about and how to play these instruments.
The students would be taught by a number of talented, musically oriented persons including Bobby Martin.
At a simple opening ceremony yesterday, Nisbett gave a historic account of the Workshop and details of its success thus far, stating that his band is made up of past Workshop students and that they have earned a large amount of funds from playing at different events.
He said three band members together made EC$240 from playing for a number of individuals.
Nisbett spoke of the importance of not losing the instruments to today's culture and "modern music".
The Cultural Doctor encouraged the children to be on their best behaviour and learn as much as they could, stressing on how important music is to society.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Lloyd Lazaar, who briefly sensitise the children about the importance of music and explained why they "are the musicians of the future".
He encouraged them to learn as much as possible and reminded that when tourists visit the Federation they would want to hear good quality music, adding that playing for the tourists is a great way to earn income or extra funds.
During the Delisle Walwyn-sponsored four-week Workshop, Nisbett is expecting to have a number of prominent individuals speak to the children on a variety of topics, including Mannerism.
Nisbett promised that at the end of each workshop he would choose the most outstanding students to join his band, which plays at events occasionally.
The Workshop would run for four weeks, culminating on August 24 with a graduation ceremony where each student would play a sample of what they would have learnt.
They will also be presented with Certificates of Participation.
This is the seventh Workshop to be held over a 16-year period and will continue as an annual event catering to youths from as young as three years old.
