DOE Schedules ‘Music in Our Schools Month’ Events

Charlotte Amalie H.S. student performs at Cultural Day

The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Division of Music Education and Programs has organized a series of public events through March 28 in recognition of the importance of music education during March’s annual ‘Music in Our Schools Month’ celebration.

To kick off the month-long activities, student musicians from schools in the St. Thomas-St. John District entertained the public at a special mini concert series, “Cultural Day,” which was held in Emancipation Garden on March 4. Next up was the mini concert series’ “Choir Day,” which began on March 11 at Emancipation Garden.

According to Dionne Donadelle, division director, the purpose of Music in Our Schools Month, which has been in existence for more than 30 years, is to “raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children — and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music.”

Donadelle also said music plays an important role in the academic and social development of young people.

A student from Kean High School performs at Cultural Day.

“Statistics have proven that a child that has an opportunity to partake in the arts develops into a well-rounded, disciplined, creative and appreciative community-minded person,” she said. “What’s important for the community to note is that music, or the arts, just doesn’t mean entertainment. We need to begin to appreciate the arts as an entity all its own. That provides a balance in a world that seems so heavily distorted on our morals, ethics and values. The arts offer students stability, and an opportunity to grow and develop through creativity and acceptance of others’ creations.”

While she encourages public attendance at all activities, Donadelle has highlighted events of particular interest:

“The 2nd Annual Solo Classical and Jazz Competition” is scheduled for March 12 in the St. Thomas-St. John District, and March 16 and March 18 in the St. Croix District.

“Arts on the Dock” is scheduled for March 17 on St. Thomas

“Arts at the Dorsch” is scheduled for March 19 on St. Croix.

:Music is ME Day” scheduled for March 25 will feature schools across the territory performing at different locations in the community for the full day.

Dionne Donadelle (center) with student musicians and teachers

“Often times, we only take the opportunity to see our students perform for Christmas or spring concerts and/or during our local carnival and festival, but our students perform on a regular basis throughout the entire school year. Supporting our students at these events is a must. It shows that you value their time and effort at creating something that is uniquely their own.”

Each Monday during March, Donadelle will feature a Virgin Islands woman who has influenced music in the territory in her “Music Mondays” series. Valrica Bryson, Ph.D., of the Department of Education and director of Virgin Islands Cultural Education as well as Lois Hassell-Habtes, Ph.D., storyteller, musician and educator, will be the first to be featured.

In addition to student musicians from V.I. public schools, events will feature choirs and musical ensembles from schools on the U. S. mainland.