Basseterre, St. Kitts- Organizers have declared that the 2009 Music Development Workshop held by the St. Kitts Music Festival and sponsored by the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino, was a complete success.

The workshop took place last week at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino conference Room, with  the members of the Southern  Comfort Band of Texas USA, facilitating the event. 

The Southern Comfort   Band is the band that accompanied Regina Belle at the St. Kitts Music Festival on Saturday 27th June 2009. The band was comprised of 10 members which included:

One Drummer
One  Keyboardist
One  Bass player
One Saxophonist
Three Singers
Two Production Officers(engineers)
One Road Manager.

The workshop attracted musicians, music lovers, and music students who were drawn from both St. Kitts and Nevis. This workshop commenced with the band playing a jazz piece which was composed by its members.  A lively interactive session followed this musical presentation.  After each selection there was a question and answer sessions, which proved very enlightening for the participants.  Some of the high points were the playing and tuning of the seven string bass guitar, and the correct way of using a microphone. The facilitators responded very competently to all the questions and each participant came away more knowledgeable about the use and control of the microphone, voice and breathing   exercises   and instrument practice routines. 

The   workshop ended with light refreshments provided by the sponsor, and it also afforded an opportunity for the participants to interact one on one with the band members.  

At this time we were graced with a surprise visit by Mrs. Regina Belle.

The Music Festival Committee will continue to provide a variety of workshops annually during the Festival Season.  This shared experience will provide a stimulus for the growth and development of artistic talent specially among our youth.