They come from as far west as Carenage and as far east as Matura, all with one singular purpose, to be students of the Trinity All Generations School of the Arts (TAGS). The name "All Generations" covers several generations, from four years of age and upwards.
Yes, from as early as four, because research has shown the importance of early muscle development and motor co-ordination, particularly in the playing of a musical instrument. With the senior students, the opportunity is provided for increasing physical mobility and continuing cognitive stimulation. Parents and children share the same classroom, capitalising on current findings that family cohesion can combat some of the social ills which beset our communities.
And although recruitment into this non-profit, arts' education programme is by word of mouth, on any given Saturday over 150 students can be found attending classes at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, which is easily accessible for the communities of Port of Spain, Laventille, East Dry River and other socially marginal areas. Practise days are Sundays and Wednesdays.
Founded in 1984 by psychologist, Dr Phaedra Pierre, who is now the principal, administrator and instructional leader; and co-founder Jacqueline Commissiong, who conducts the self-development aspect of the programme, the school offers music education, both theoretical and practical for disadvantaged youth in the Port of Spain area and its environs who would not be able to avail themselves of music lessons under any other circumstances. The two ladies are supported by a staff of individuals qualified in music theory, performance and education, many of whom have come through the programme. All operating on a voluntary basis.
TAGS recently hosted its annual Awards Ceremony for 2001- "a particularly bumper year" - with over 100 students presented for theory examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and the practical pan examinations of the Centre for Creative and Festival Arts of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. At the gala function, the Minister of Education, Senator Hazel Manning, brought greetings to a packed City Hall. And it was with a great deal of pride that the principal spoke of "a pass rate of 99% with about 66% receiving Distinctions."
With only its internal fundraising for day-to-day operations, TAGS has successfully offered to assist in preparing students for Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations in instances where government and private schools do not offer music as an examinable, academic subject. And has recently expanded the programme from a focus on practical application on the pan to include, a conventional band incorporating pans, a dance troupe and a chorale. All three gave creditable performances at the Awards Ceremony which for the past four years has formed part of the celebrations of City Month for the City of Port of Spain in June.
And although the programme has outgrown the physical and capital resources currently available, the management of the School will bravely take the drastic step forward in the year 2003, and begin formal tutoring in the playing of a variety of instruments, as well as introducing other areas of the arts like vocal training, theatre/drama and visual arts. As with all voluntary organisations in this country, the School of Arts is looking for additional instruments, equipment and space. The management sees much room for expansion and development but because of the participants' limited means, the school must provide most of the resources necessary for these extensions. If you wish to help TAGs, feel free to call Dr Pierre at 638-3951 or 620-4717, or Ms Commissiong at 624-4403.