AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAM AT HOPE TOWN PRIMARY

Bahamian culture is known for its rhythmic, resplendent music- junkanoo, calypso, reggae, soca and rake and scrape are just a few of the popular sounds and styles of this island nation...but these days you're just as likely to hear modern pop, rock, and country being played here too- especially by the younger generations.

In the Out Islands, music education is harder to come by than it is in Grand Bahama or New Providence, primarily due to a lack of available resources like instruments and instruction. But one thing we are not lacking in Hope Town is talent- and because of that, we are excited to share the purpose of this fundraiser!!

Your donation will be used to help Hope Town Primary School's Head Master- Principal Justin Higgs, purchase instruments to be housed at the school and used for individual music lessons, in a BRAND NEW after-school music education program!

If you don't have a child at HTPS, you may recognize Mr. Higgs as the lead guitarist in Hope Town's very own rock band, Simplicity. The band's dynamic, show-stopping lead singer is 3rd and 4th-grade teacher, Ms. Donella Rolle. Under their leadership and direction, local and visiting musicians will be able to offer extracurricular music classes and lessons to students at the school.

WHY IS MUSIC EDUCATION SO IMPORTANT?

The positive effects of music education spill over into academic achievement and reach far beyond learning to play an instrument. Music instruction requires focus, discipline and determination – excellent qualities which are often transferred into other areas of a student's life. According to a study from the National Association for Music Education, students aged 8-18 with a background involving musical instruction scored significantly higher on scholastic tests than their non-musically trained counterparts. It is believed that concentration, analytical thinking skills and self-esteem are by-products of music instruction. Those characteristics, when developed early, will last a lifetime.

Every single dollar we collect helps to shape a child's future.

Thank you for considering a donation to this important cause.