Pristine music

'The National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica (NYOJ) invites you to their fund-raising concert', read the programme cover. No cluttering of bylines or themes. Just a simple request.

This simplicity was to be transferred into pristine music made even richer by its source - a group of more than 30 children from schools along the Spanish Town Road producing music with instruments, in some cases, that were taller than themselves, and alien to their reality.

The two-segment programme got off to a stellar start with performances from the more experienced NYOJ Instructors and Friends Chamber Orchestra.

With classical selections that traversed several centuries, they mesmerised the audience with Vivaldi's Concerto in A Minor Op. 3, No.8, Allegro, Larghetto, Allegro and Joaquin Malats: Serenata Española and concluded with a wonderful D.E. Robinson arrangement of Bob Marley's Jammin.

In segment two, the focus shifted to the youths at risk.

The NYOJ Choir gave the first taste of what was to come.

Adorned in white T-shirts and jeans pants they performed two songs: For as Long as I Know Music and their composition Tell Me Why, Why.

As explained by the choir director, Tell Me Why, Why was written because the students were affected by the unrest in their communities.

The song, poignant in tone and lyrics, asked "why so many blood-shed?" and resonated as the lead singers sang with deep emotion.

The choir was followed by a viola duet titled Simple Gifts with instructor Andrew Young and his protegé; a cello duet, Minuet in G by Danae Richards and her instructor Emily Elliott, and a string quartet selection titled Lightly Row, Can Can.

A refreshing and entertaining aspect of the second half was the testimonials of some of the youngsters in the orchestra.

The media-savvy and confident young musicians were forthright in their speeches as they spoke of the benefits of the programme.

Jerome Palmer, a fourth-form student at St Andrew Technical High School, said the programme helped him to socialise. And Shamera Coward said the programme had impacted her life in a positive way. She finds peace and joy.

Before the audience was treated to some short selections from the NYOJ full orchestra, a musical tribute was paid to the Digicel Foundation. It came in the form of a female member of the orchestra playing one of the 30 instruments the foundation had donated.

In his response to the tribute, General Robert Neish, executive director of the Digicel Foundation, described the selections as "wonderful music, a tribute to the work of the volunteers".

He also encouraged everyone to support the NYOJ.

Fittingly, the last item on the programme was Norman Ward's Lovely Evening.

The standing ovation afterwards was more than fitting.

It was an elated Ann McNamee who spoke to The Gleaner after the show. For her, the most rewarding part was when the students get it right and "their eyes light up". On the other hand, one of the challenges is inconsistency in attendance.

For cello section, instructor Emily Elliott said the experience is really good. "The children are so driven. They love it; it is amazing working with them," she said.

The NYOJ has plans for two more concerts in December 2010 and January 2011.

- MR