Members of the BJS, at their March mingle, presented a Roland Cube 120XL bass amplifier to the Music Program at the Barbados Community College.
Roger Gittens, Head of Music Department writes . . .music programs are expensive to run, and the cost increases as you move from primary school where one piano may suffice, to tertiary where teachers need several pianos, more instruments and larger practice facilities.
The Associate Degree in Music program at BCC started with just 10 students, it now caters to 56. The 2-bass amplifiers purchased in the late 1990’s have done yeoman service and now function only with constant repair.
The staff and students are greatly appreciative of the gift of a Roland Cube 120XL bass amplifier to the music program. This amp will improve the sound of the several ensembles that use an electric bass. It also allows 3 basses to play at the same time and so more students can practice or more than one ensemble can rehearse in a given time slot.
The Music Department looks forward to the continuing relationship with the Barbados Jazz Society as we both seek to enhance the live music offerings in Barbados as well as develop the next generation of musicians.
Twenty-eight BJS members and guests enjoyed the open bar, delicious food, and live jazz music by Kwaku Jelani on trumpet, Ricardo Bryan on keyboard, and Jarad Greaves on electric bass – all BCC graduates. The trio entertained with their creative arrangements of old standards and original compositions; Kwaku Jelani’s ‘made-up on the spot’ tune was a favorite.
This is great. I shared it with the Just Jazz group.
The bass player in my BCC ensemble is enjoying his new bass amp, thanks to the BJS!
Kind regards,
Stefan