Foxy’s School of Music back in full ‘strum’
And he continued, “Because you know the trick, music is good for you when you sick. I tell you I going to be good and bold, music is good for both young and old.”
These lyrics were not thrown in the wind but is attributed to Foxy coming through with one of the many things he has committed to see come to fruition in his community – a music school.
Placing no dollar value on a brand new facility completely air conditioned, laden with musical instruments, rotational paid live-in instructors, skill tutors (both locals and expatriates), craftily designed and decor exteriors, Foxy and his team officially relaunched the Foxy’s School of Music with a simple but impressive ceremony.
Recording studio in the works
Foxy hastened to note that the project came back to life after the previous school was totally washed away in 2017 by Hurricane Irma and showered praises on good friends David and Kathrine Diettrich, and Tony Martin. “All three of us got together and got this done,” he told Virgin Islands News Online.
Students who choose to join the programme will have access to practice with professional tutoring five days per week and, according to Foxy, the children would have access to all and every music form they are interested in.
“And we are going to be establishing a little recording studio for them too, even adults that are interested can come along.
Gov’t commits to financial assistance
At the opening ceremony, Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) gave brief remarks. In addition to making apologies for the absence of Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) not being able to make it, he announced the Premier’s commitment to an undisclosed amount of financial support for the school.
“I also bring some really good news from the Premier and also the Minister for Education [Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley). The Premier sends his full support for the school, not only in word but also monetarily. You will be getting a cheque later on for the school.”
According to Hon Wheatley, he was elated by the initiative which brought back fond memories of his days doing music. “I am also an awesome musician, Hon Wheatley cheerfully tooted. “I grew up playing music in primary school, I played music in college and I played after college, so seeing the youths getting an opportunity to learn to play music is very exciting for me.”
On that note he promised to one day return with his own saxophone to sit and play with the youth in the community of Jost van Dyke. “The benefit of music in developing minds is well documented and giving the youngsters particularly here in Jost van Dyke this opportunity, Foxy, I must thank you and the team for making this possible for the students.”
Amazing start
Also present was the Second District Representative and Opposition Member, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull who described the relaunch as, “An amazing, amazing start.”
Hon Turnbull recalled being told by Foxy in 2015 that he was going to establish five different schools, “Music, fishing, agriculture and farming, health and transportation. He said he is going to have it right here on Jost van Dyke because the governments seem like they forget about Jost van Dyke and he is going to do something.”
“So whatever I could do to ensure that we support the young people in this endeavour [I will do]. I like the drum, I don’t know if I could play but I like the drum that’s my instrument,” Hon Turnbull added as he congratulated Foxy and his team.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg here in JVD. This is going to be a hub for creativity and then entrepreneurship and forward thinking initiative looking into the future to preserve Jost van Dyke and move these young people forward,” said one of the partners – Benji Baez Motivational Edge.
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