NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 13 SAM SHARPE TEACHERS’ COLLEGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE AS SAM Sharpe Teachers’ College marks its 50th anniversary, we pause to reflect on a remarkable legacy in music education that has not only shaped the lives of students, but also helped define the cultural and educational fabric of Western Jamaica. Over the past five decades, the college has consistently demonstrated a commitment to nurturing musicianship, developing music educators, and broadening access to high-quality music instruction. Among the most notable achievements in recent years is the establishment of a landmark partnership with the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022, the two institutions now collaborate to deliver programmes from the School of Music and the School of Continuing Education and Allied Programmes at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College. This partnership has led to the launch of the Associate of Arts in Music, the Bachelor of Music Education (Years 1 & 2), and the Fundamentals of Music Literacy & Performance programme right here in Montego Bay. This strategic collaboration has made world-class music education more accessible to students in Western Jamaica – eliminating the need to travel to Kingston to pursue these opportunities. Looking ahead, the College is poised to expand even further with the introduction of a Bachelor of Education in Music Education (Major and Minor) in the academic year 2025–2026. This degree, to be awarded by the University of the West Indies, Mona, represents another step forward in making professional training in music education available to aspiring teachers and musicians in the region. A shining example of our performance excellence is the Young Jamaica Ensemble, the College’s award-winning symphonic wind ensemble. Founded as a performance outlet for students and community members alike, the ensemble has become a cornerstone of cultural life in Montego Bay and its environs. It has been the top-performing wind ensemble in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) National Festival of the Arts since 2004, consistently earning gold medals and national recognition. As we evolve to meet the needs of a new generation, the Young Jamaica Ensemble will soon transition into the Western Jamaica Youth Orchestra – an initiative that aims to broaden instrumental training beyond winds and percussion to include a full complement of strings. This ambitious project is supported by a growing network of partners, including New Jersey City University (NJCU), whose Multi-Style String Symposium has trained our teachers in cutting-edge string pedagogy. With additional support from the Sandals Foundation and other generous contributors, we have acquired new violins, violas, and cellos to begin free orchestral training for youth in Western Jamaica. Our educators, trained to serve as section leaders, will guide this next wave of musical development with skill, dedication, and heart. Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College stands proudly at the intersection of education, performance, and community engagement. Our accomplishments in music reflect a deep belief that the arts are essential to national development. As we celebrate our golden jubilee, we do so with renewed purpose – to expand opportunities, elevate standards, and inspire the next generation of musical leaders from the west of the island. VINTON HAUGHTON Senior Lecturer Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College MUSICAL EXCELLENCE Launch of Western Jamaica Youth Orchestra Young Jamaica Ensemble at Sounds of the Season 2023 Celebrating 50 years of musical excellence at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College Our accomplishments in music reflect a deep belief that the arts are essential to national development.
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