Glen McCarthy, a music teacher at Mason Community Arts Academy, and Dionne Reid-Richards, a project manager in the technical division at Sandals Resorts International, both share a common passion for music and a commitment to imparting this love through music education.
With the help of the Sandals Foundation and Mason Community Arts Academy’s Instruments in the Attic
programme, they are set to achieve just that with the recent donation of musical equipment to the Calvary Wind Ensemble, based at the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay.
“Music has always been an important part of our ministry,” said Dionne, who has for the past 30 years
trained and directed the Calvary Wind Ensemble.
“The joy of sharing music education is immeasurable. These young musicians are focused and committed
and as a result, I am extremely encouraged,” she said.
This, of course, is like music to Glen’s ears. A ‘diamond-level’ returning guest to Sandals Resorts, Glen has a history of contributing musical equipment to programs in Jamaica, such as the Alpha Institute’s music
programme, a Sandals Foundation partner.
Glen not only donates through Instruments in the Attic during his visits to Jamaica, but also actively supports music programmes in northern Virginia by facilitating instrument donations.
Instruments in the Attic, initiated in autumn 2008, connects communities through music education by recycling gently used instruments donated by generous individuals and distributing them to music programmes and students in need state-wide, nationally, and internationally.
Dionne graciously shared her appreciation for the donated instruments, emphasising that “this generous gift will undoubtedly fuel the expansion of our programme, allowing more children to reap its rewards.”
According to Dionne, the impact will be substantial, as research confirms that learning music significantly enhances children’s cognitive and emotional development. From heightened intelligence and improved mood to enhanced memory, concentration, discipline, self-confidence, and self-expression, the benefits are multifaceted and far-reaching.
The support of the Sandals Foundation for music programs such as this one underscores the organisation’s commitment to bridging the gap between donors and beneficiaries, positively affecting the lives of numerous youngsters throughout the region.
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