Freeport, Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society is pleased to be moving into their third year with much success to look back on. With its mandate to present a wide-range of art forms on the island, the society has lived up to its word. In 2009, they presented pianist Tannis Gibson who also conducted a master class, the NYC Comedy Club, Music for a Spring Evening (piano and flute concert) and master class; and Pam Woods and Friends jazz concert and Woods also conducted master classes at three schools.
This past year they hosted the Winter Music Festival with Trio Collage (piano, cello and violin) along with a free concert for children called Carnival of the Animals; back by popular demand and increased to two shows, performances by the NYC Comedy Club; international recording artists, Naturally 7; and the Broadway Baby concert and vocal master class featuring the society’s founder, Dalia Feldman which also produced a CD with all proceeds going to the society. The CDs are available at Island Java, The Silk Cafe, The Mail Drop and Lucaya International School.
One of the ways the Society helps performing arts students with every event they produce, is by asking their performers to conduct master classes or workshops. Everywhere else in the world master classes start at $50 per person, but the Society provides this at a minimal cost (usually $10) to local students because they want to provide these learning opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise and they want to make them available to everyone.
A master class provides students a chance to learn first hand from a master in the field. Students can sign up to perform for the master teacher, who then works with them on technique and performance skills to improve their overall performance, all in front of an audience giving them a wonderful well rounded experience. Both students and teachers benefit tremendously from these classes, whether they participate or just watch. Local students as well as teachers are encouraged to take advantage of these classes which are usually offered before or after the performance date.
Here are some quotes form the last vocal master class conducted by Robert Edwin:
“Being a vocal trainer my self, I was amazed by the knowledge of voice and songs he showed us. There was a quick learn for every one that will stay with us for ever. It was all positive and very enjoyable. Thank you GBPAS for the opportunity!” Marjoke Twiest
“I enjoyed how each person’s chosen genre of music was cultivated and improved upon.” Rouen Robinson
“Being at the master class really showed me that there is more to singing than just singing! We successfully learned how to tell a story using body language and music, it was an excellent experience!” Javan Hunt
The new year has some exciting things in store for the Grand Bahama audience. On January 22, 2011 a Chamber Music concert will be held with Trio con Brio: (piano, flute and cello, plus master classes); March 12th, 2011 another great show by the NYC Comedy Club. Adding a new touch to the societies activities, a Talent Competition will be held in April 2011 whereupon 2 winners will travel to the U.S. to participate in a Performing Arts Summer Camp next year.
Annual membership to the GBPAS starts as low as $25 per year for individuals and $50 for families and increases from there for those who wish to give a little more. Sponsorship begins at $500.
Donations are also greatly received and appreciated. Membership has its privileges, as membership card holders get discounts at the following locations in Grand Bahama: The Silk Cafe, Island Java, Mamadoo’s, Agave, Sabor, the Garden Cafe, and Pisces.
The GBPAS would like to thank all their members, sponsors and performers for their support, and special mention goes to their major sponsors who have supported them in their first two years: The Harnisch Family Philanthropies; Thayer’s Natural Remedies; American Airlines/American Eagle; Pelican Bay Hotel; The Bahamas Weekly; Mackey Media; and Keen i Media.
“We are so thrilled that the GBPAS has grown so quickly in only 2 years. We started out with no money and a dream, and so many have helped us to make that dream come true. In 2011 we will finally be able to do what we set out to do from the beginning, provide funding to the local performing arts community and students in particular. Our funding request form will be available in the new year for anyone who would like to apply for help and we will be sending 2 high school students to performing arts camp in the summer. We couldn’t be more excited about that!” said Dalia Feldman, GBPAS Founder.
