A fitting musical farewell to Noel Dexter

In life, Noel George Dexter planted his musical prints on the lives of several Jamaicans. So, fittingly, at his farewell service, at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Chapel, Mona, on Monday, many turned out to pay homage to the late Jamaican musical stalwart. They did so in songs and speeches. It was more than a thanksgiving service; it was a musical, especially in the absence of a casket.

The creatively written and at times entertaining speeches, along with the scripture readings, were punctuated by musical selections and hymns. Words of comfort were delivered by officiating minister The Reverend John Scott, while Lilieth Nelson, Vivian Crawford and retired Justice Roy Anderson were hand-picked by Dexter to deliver his remembrance. The three divided Dexter’s life, from Portland to Kingston and beyond, creatively weaving his composition, One Thing Leads to Another, in the speeches.

Long-time friend and fellow Portlander, Anderson said Noel Dexter was defined by his music, despite his other academic and sporting achievements. He recalled, with much humour, his late friend’s achievements as a student at Titchfield High School.

But it was Crawford who laid the foundation with memories of a younger Dexter at the primary-school age. Nelson said Dexter experimented with every technique he learned, to mould and extract the best, gentle voice; casually, lovingly, encouraging students to breathe from their diaphragms and other such exercises.

Numerous accomplishments

She also highlighted his numerous accomplishments, including composing songs for plays, church milestones, and offered that it was not too late for this composer extraordinaire to be accorded the Order of Jamaica.

Noel Dexter’s daughter, Carol Dexter-Dwyer, also delivered a word from her “very small” family. Having technology failing her, she “winged it”. She began by expressing how disheartened she was at seeing that the arts being shunned, and praised her parents for not only embracing what they loved, but also for encouraging her to pursue her passion, music. And so, the greatest lesson she learned from her father is to live life doing what you enjoy. The music-filled programme began with a prelude of eight selections, performed individually by The Temple Singers, The National Housing Trust Chorale, Verlando Small (saxophonist), Ardenne Alumni Choir, The National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), Touch of Elegance, The University Chorale and The University Singers. The University Singers later returned to deliver a heartfelt performance of two of Dexter’s musical compositions, Psalm 23 and Psalm 27.

Also, adding to the showcase of Dexter’s musical legacy was grandson, Jhada Dwyer, performing with his band, 8. He later told The Gleaner that his favourite Dexter composition is Psalm 150. “I like the arrangement and the choir percussion”.

Scripture readings were done by nieces Karyn Neysmith Johnson and Allison Dexter, as well as brother Elon Sinclair. The Reverend Shelia McKeithen also officiated. Noel George Dexter is survived by daughter Carol, son-in-law Rohan and grandson Jhada.