Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5270/-1/134/
|
Morlens Music Recital Series Features Jelani and Roxanne
|
World famous trumpeter Louis Armstrong, affectionately known as Satchmo, once said…”I never tried to prove nothing, just wanted to give a good show …’cause what you’re there for is to please the people”.
|
|
L-R: Jelani Banks, Raxanne Webster and Teacher Lennox Vanterpool
|
These words could certainly be said to express the sentiments of Jelani Banks, trumpeter and Roxanne Webster, saxophonist, as they performed on Sunday October 7th to a very appreciative audience at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. And please the people they did! Jelani and Roxanne’s impressive repertoire included classical music, jazz, sacred and waltz selections which kept the audience on the edge of their seats from start to finish, at which time they erupted in a standing ovation when the twosome presented an amazing rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In”.
Eighteen year old Jelani, a well-rounded Sixth Former who is a Black Belt/Assistant Tae Kwon Do Instructor, a member of the ALHCS Literary and Debating Society, the School band and Choir, and many youth organizations including Boys Brigade, Scouts and Interact, is also an Assistant Sunday School teacher at the Ebenezer Methodist Church.
|
|
Musicians with their instruments
|
Roxanne Webster, popularly known by her stage name, “Lill Roxy” is the reigning OECS and St Martin Junior Calypso monarch. Fifteen year old Roxy enjoys reading, dancing and Tae Kwon Do, and is also a member of the ALHCS Concert Band and Choir.
Both recitalists are the protégés of Morlens Music Studio in Sandy Hill, Long Road, which was established in 1989 by Mr Lennox Vanterpool. Mr Vanterpool, who has earned the title of Professor Vanterpool, provided exceptional musical accompaniment for his students.
The recital series which benefits St Augustine’s Youth Music Fund, is indicative of Morlens Music Studio commitment to the “development and advancement of youth through music.” Over the past months the series has showcased performers on the flute, clarinet, piano, saxophone and trumpet. Next month will see a once-in-a-lifetime recital which will bring together all the recitalists in a show to culminate the series in a glorious climax.
Jelani and Roxanne have expressed a wealth of appreciation for their professor, Lennox Vanterpool, and their parents Phyllis and Ken Banks, and Louise and Roland Webster.
Although Jelani and Roxanne have expressed commitments to careers in paediatrics and cosmetology their performances on Sunday have demonstrated that music could also be a viable career choice. Congratulations to all of our youth who have given again demonstrated the potential of our youth and, according to Ludwig Van Beethoven and others, the power of music to “change the world” , as it has “charms to soothe a savage beast, to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak”. Let us all commit to supporting our youth and Morlens Music Studio in this art form which can bring healing and enjoyment to one and all.