NYOJ Launches KC Melbourne Centre! Luthier`s Workshop Anna

Inside this issue:
Volume 2 Issue 3
December 2011
KC MELBOURNE CENTRE LAUNCHES!
1
LUTHIER’S WORKSHOP
1
ANNA TEACHES THE JIG
1
DIGICEL FOUNDATION’S FUN DAY
2
CAROL SERVICES
2
MUSIC HOUSE PRESENTS THE NYOJ
2
ADORACION
2
The National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica (NYOJ) is a non-profit, non-government organisation that manages an orchestra programme
for social change in challenged communities in Kingston in collaboration with the Organisation of American States (OAS).
NYOJ Launches KC Melbourne Centre!
In September 2011, the
NYOJ launched their
second training centre
at Kingston College’s
Melbourne Campus.
Over 90 students from
nearby schools and
communities turned out
to enrol (including Clan
Carthy, Vauxhall and
Camperdown High
Schools).
Luthier’s
Workshop
In October 2011, in collaboration with the ICHS Symphony Orchestra and Luthiers Sans Frontieres a 3 day workshop was hosted at
Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS) to repair damaged instruments. NYOJ senior orchestra students came out to observe the
process and learn about caring for their instruments. Luthiers Martin Nitsche, Jesse Berndt and Ute Zahn were overwhelmed by the
response from local classical musicians and more than happy to help.
Anna Teaches the Jig
Anna Esslemont, UK violinist and frontwoman of the folk
trio Usicedwr, visited the NYOJ in November 2011 to
introduce NYOJ students to different styles of European
folk music. She related her experiences growing up with
the National Youth Orchestra of Wales as well as
shared two traditional Celtic songs, Winster Gallop
and Bear Dance.
Digicel Foundation’s Christmas Fun Day
For the third year the Digicel
Foundation hosted their annual
Christmas fun day as a treat for over
1000 children in need. NYOJ students
performed for the masses with students
from our KC Melbourne base making
their debut. For more information visit:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/
gleaner/20111204/ent/ent4.html
Carol Services
Carol services at our participating schools
are NYOJ staples and among our
students favourite performances. This
year the NYOJ’s senior orchestra
performed at Denham Town High
School’s carol service on December 7 and
at St. Andrew Technical High School’s
service a week later on December 13.
Music House Presents
On December 10 the Music House held their Christmas Showcase, at the Sovereign Centre, to highlight
their students’ accomplishments for 2011. NYOJ’s senior orchestra was invited to participate.
Adoración
Adoracion, a seasonal celebration, was held at Holy Trinity
Cathedral on Thursday December 22, 2011. The evening
featured selections by the internationally acclaimed Spanish
pianist David Gomez, as well as local talents the Nexus
Choir and cantor Velia Espeut. Under the auspices of the
Spanish Embassy NYOJ students were able to enjoy the
inspiring performances.
Page 2
To see the more photos from any of the events featured here please visit our website: www.nyoj.org
Get Involved
The NYOJ uses music education as a tool for social empowerment, engaging youths with an
intensive and challenging program in order to develop core values such as self-esteem,
discipline and perseverance. Our hopes for this program are high, and in order to achieve and
maintain our goals we need a steady stream of support from our sponsors and volunteers.
For information about contributing to the NYOJ please contact us at:
jamaicayouthorchestra@yahoo.com or (876) 561 6252
We would like to thank our corporate sponsors and partners for helping us to realise and
maintain the goals of our mission:
Island Outpost, the Seprod Group, the Digicel Foundation,
the Organisation of American States, and The Embassy of Spain to Jamaica
We would also like to extend our appreciation to:
St. Andrew Technical High School, Kingston College
and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts
for their continued support.
Page 3