Minister of Education Alden McLaughlin met last Thursday with the recent recipients of Trinity College music awards.
Minister McLaughlin congratulated Jonelle Ebanks, Arlene Ocho, Ryan McConvey and Richard Hessing at the Government Administration Building. Richard received the highest award, the Performance Certificate for Caribbean and North American music – drums. Jonelle received a Grade 6 certificate – saxophone, Ryan received a Grade 8 certificate, also on the saxophone, and Arlene received a Grade 8 – flute. In addition to the certificates, each of the four students received $50.
‘I am extremely proud of these students, who have distinguished themselves on a personal level,’ the Minister said. ‘Their results are a reflection of high standards for the country as well. I am sure that their teachers and their parents are proud.’
John Gray students Jonelle, Arlene and Richard were taught by Ms Lorna Bjorklund. Jonelle and Arlene were recognised for examinations taken in 2003. Ryan took his examination while at George Hicks High School, working with his mother and Head of Music, Mrs. Fran McConvey, and Mr. Mike Galvin. Richard and Ryan took their examinations in 2004.
All the students said they were honoured to have been awarded and surprised to have won.
‘This was my first time to participate in the Trinity College exhibition exams so I was very nervous, said Richard Hessing. ‘So much so I thought I was doomed. I believe all that practice paid off.’
Trinity College is an international examination board based in London. Trinity College examiners travel around the globe examining students at grade and diploma level and setting internationally recognised standards in music education.
Trinity College first started examining in the Cayman Islands in 1986. Currently the Islands enter about 250 candidates each year for Practical Music examinations. Students from George Hicks and John Gray high schools, St. Ignatius School and Cayman Prep School, and the government primary schools enter the examinations regularly. The examination board representative on the island is Mrs. Fran McConvey, Head of Music at George Hicks High School.
Each year the examination board honours students who gain the highest marks in the higher-grade examinations. These students are given Exhibition Awards.
‘Over the past few years we have had a small number of students who have had outstanding results and have been honoured in this way,’ Mrs. McConvey said.
‘This is a tremendous achievement for the students and a great tribute to the excellent standard of music teaching in the Cayman Islands. We are extremely proud of these young musicians,’ she added.
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