The Music Department of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has joined the chorus in celebrating M Andre S.L. Brathwaite in making The King's New Year’s Honours List for an MBE award. Photo: VINO/File

Many in the Virgin Islands community have hailed the awarding of an MBE to Mr Andre S.L. Brathwaite as 'truly deserving'. Photo: VINO/File

Andre S.L. Brathwaite's favourite instrument is the trumpet. Photo: Facebook

Mr Andre Sydney Leon Braithwaite, the Music Director at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), performs with the legendary Elmore Stoutt. Photo: Facebook/File

ln commenting on Mr Braithwaite’s nomination, the Music Department of Elmore Stoutt High School added: ‘For over 30 years, he has been a pillar of the music community - mentor, leader, and father figure - instilling discipline, respect, and excellence.

"As the backbone of the ESHS Music Department, he has recruited and mentored teachers, many of whom were once his students; he knows his students by name, engages their families, and ensures his classroom is a safe haven. Mr Braithwaite is a stalwart of ESHS, a dedicated educator, and a true ambassador of music and culture.’

A passion for music & dedication to ESHS

In 1988, at the age of 11, Mr Brathwaite entered the BVI High School (now Elmore Stoutt High School) where he officially began his academics in music. His excellence in this field saw him participating in almost all of the school’s musical tours around the Caribbean.

After spending a short time at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), he went on to further his studies at Jacksonville University in the USA where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. His heart was always set on returning home to the Virgin Islands and giving back to the place where he attained his foundation. Despite being offered more than one really nice paying jobs in the USA, he chose to pass on those opportunities and headed right back home where he started his career in teaching at the Elmore Stoutt High School.

While he is well-versed in teaching all instruments, his primary instrument is the Trumpet.

Additionally, as Music Director, Mr Brathwaite conducts the Jazz Ensemble at HLSCC.