BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - POWER of the Drum. When you think of a drum you think history, tradition…you think of culture. The sounds made by this amazing instrument can resonate in the heart of those who listen as it is being played by the drummer.
Music Therapy…Are you ready? Well, the St. Kitts Department of Culture is inviting everyone today (Jun. 20) to its 13th Annual Heart Beat Drumming Recital at the Old Boys School on Victoria Road.
Witness for yourself, spectacular performances by young, talented and energetic students who have learnt the art of drumming under the mentorship of drum expert extraordinaire Royd Phipps and his assistant Dekembe Morton.
Royd, who has been with the Department of Culture since 1999, has travelled as a drummer to such places as Suriname, England, Antigua, Barbados, St Vincent, Grenada, Anguilla and St. Martin, to name a few.
With a wealth of knowledge, experience, great skill and love for the art of drumming, Royd has been sharing with the youth by passing on his gift to others.
Drumming assistant 18-year-old Dekembe Morton has been working with Royd for some time now and was recently attached to the Department of Culture through the PEP Programme. He was a student of the expert drummer.
During the course of the year, part of Royd’s regular programme is to teach drumming in most of the primary schools. Heart Beat 2013 is the recital where the students are able to showcase what they have learnt.
With each year having a different theme, this year’s theme is on Careers, whereby role models from the community will be present to share their profession at the recital.
At 6:30 p.m., the Old Boys School will come alive with performances by Primary School Drumming Groups, Vivace Drummers, Okolo Drummers, Police Drum Corps, National Youth Drum Corps, Kettle and Bass Drums and a special guest performer.
Drums are the world’s oldest and most ubiquitous musical instruments, and the basic design has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years. It is most inspiring that the art of drumming continues to be alive and well in our community, and may this never change.
You are asked not to hesitate to make it a date to ‘Heart Beat Drumming Recital 2013’. And please note that it is open to the public for free.
For more information call: 1 869- 467- 1415
