FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK FROM THE EDITOR’S CHAIR Coleen Douglas - Director, Marketing and Communications
In this
ISSUE
Unmask. Breathe. Change at Virtual Graduation 2020
Laughing through a pandemic Meet Dale Haslam Class of 2020 Valedictorian
Culture Corner with Dr. Blackwood Meeks BH (M), College Orator
So much has changed since our last Issue in March earlier this year. I was sporting a bald head but then the covd-19 pandemic hung over and my barber was quarantined so I am gifted with a beautiful crown of hair that I have not enjoyed in over fifteen years. Like everyone else, I made the best of the situation. I have learnt that in times of adversities and challenging situations, it is important for us to feed on whatever it is that grounds us. In the book “Man’s Search for Meaning”, Victor Frankl wrote, “everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” How we respond to the current situation is certainly a choice. We can choose to bemoan the things we no longer have, or we can give thanks for the opportunity for renewal. The College pivoted like the rest of the world with online classes and virtual events and managed to get our students through the semester through the dedication and commitment of our faculty and support staff. It has been challenging for our students, staff, and their extended families and so as the Semester winds down, I hope we will be able to simply breathe, one breath at a time. For some of us, the Christmas holidays is usually a time for family, friends, and food and though it will be different this year, I encourage you to remain connected even while physically distanced from each other. I am pleased to share a bit of our campus life with you especially in these times and hope you enjoy our first Issue for the Academic Year 2020/2021. One Perfect Love
Published by Marketing & Communication Department Editor: Coleen Douglas Editoral Support: Stacy-Ann Lewis Graphic Design: Robert Ayre Photo Credits: Joni Gordon Administration: Kay-Ann McKenzie
time and energy that have been invested by our faculty and staff in ensuring that our key stakeholders, are afforded the highest quality education and training in the arts, a mandate that is constantly etched in our psyche. I therefore take this opportunity to thank members of the faculty and staff for their role and commitment to our students and our noble institution. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Coleen Douglas Director, Marketing and Communications ____________________________________________________________________________ Submit all editorial material to marketing@emc.edu.jm with “The Collegiate Editorial” included in the subject line.
Trudy-Ann Barrett, Ph.D. Acting Principal Vice Principal Academic Affairs
With the closing of the curtains on Semester 1 of the 2020/2021 Academic Year, comes an acute awareness of the phenomenal efforts and sacrifices that were invested by you—our students, faculty, staff and other stakeholders—to make this moment a reality. COVID-19 has significantly altered our campus experience, challenging us to step up in unimagined ways to transpose the “norm” and I am truly proud of what we have achieved together, EMCVPA Community. In spite of the myriad uncertainties and challenges that we had to hurdle, here we are! To our returning students, your return signifies your resilience, dedication and commitment to translating your aspirations into reality. Remain focused as you are one step closer toward your goal! Class of 2024, your initiation into our community may have been intense but I trust that by now, you would have adapted to the emerging pathway to education—online learning—and that you have developed the requisite disposition, competencies and tenacity to excel in your various programmes of studies. During the period, the College enrolled over four hundred and fifty students. The enrolment figures attest to the significant
Themed, “Reflect, Re-imagine, Reengage”, this academic year has challenged us to objectively re-examine the arts within the contexts of the sociocultural and technological dimensions so that what we do, as artists and artist(e)educators, may remain both relevant and sustainable in the digital era. This navigation has admittedly not always been smooth and I am cognisant that the resultant circumstances have sometimes occasioned anxiety, despondence and frustration within the community. Notwithstanding, I thank you for your patience and pivot that assisted with the identification of productive solutions to circumvent those challenges. Herein, I believe, lies a timely reminder that we that we never lose; we either win or we learn. Within this vein, I encourage you therefore to remain undaunted because di daakes’ part a di night signal dat day soon light! Consequently, as we embrace and look forward to the rest of the academic year being productive, the College continues to pursue initiatives to bridge the digital and other divides that would have become evident during this and the previous semester. In concert, we have welcomed the support of several of our partners and stakeholders, namely: Our parent Ministry, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI), The Japan-funded Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Technical Cooperation, and the Louise Bennett Coverley Foundation. Together, they donated tablets to some of the more needy students of our College Community. Their support serves as a
powerful reminder that education is a partnership, with every functionary having an equally important stake in the realisation of its objectives. So, in spite of the fact that this semester has been challenging, I urge us to also be mindful about recognising the in-built teachable moments and opportunities, and in so doing, to honour the learning and profound growth that has taken place. Together, we have successfully navigated Semester 1 and come Semester 2, we will be back again with an even safer and more engaging experience planned for you. For now however, do carve out space for mental clarity, to unwind and to take the necessary steps to balance your physical and emotional wellbeing to prepare for what is ahead. Until we are together again, please accept my best wishes to you and your family for a memorable, peaceful, safe and COVID-19 free holiday season! One love!
LAUGHING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC Owen Blakka Ellis How is COVI D19 treating you? How are you coping with the pandemic? These are questions that currently appear with great regularit y in conversations. The decrease in human contact, absence of normal and accustomed social interaction, and the diminishing earnings that have been brought about by the strict protocols put in place to prevent fur ther spread of the novel corona virus are all taking a toll. Naturally, advice, suggestions and prescriptions for coping abound. We are told that phone calls or video chats can help us and our loved ones to feel more socially connected, less lonely, and less isolated. We are encouraged to know where and how to get treatment and other suppor t ser vices and resources. We get reminders about taking care of our bodies, paying at tention to our emotional wellbeing, taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to depressing news stories, including those on social media etc. One sure coping method of course, is tied up in that of ten dismissed and trivialized expression called laughter. Yes, laughter! That primal, of ten involuntar y and always accessible human vocalization is melodious music to the ears, and healing balm for the psyche. Laughter is instinctive, infectious, unif ying and undeniably cathar tic. And ever ybody has both the abilit y to laugh and the capacit y for laughter. Even children who are born deaf and blind are still able to laugh. And babies learn to laugh long before they learn to talk.
Biblical teaching, new age lifest yle coaches and behavioural theorists all agree that laughter is tonic for the soul and therapy for the human spirit. Famed comic Charlie Chaplain once said, “a day without laughter is a day wasted”. And in times of despair and uncer taint y as currently being experienced due to the onslaught of COVI D19, it even more necessar y to do as Miss Lou suggested and ‘tek kin teet kibba hear t bun!’ Laughter is a primitive vocalization. In laughter we emit sounds and express emotions that come from deep within our biological being – grunts and cackles from our animal unconscious. And we don’t have to decide to laugh. No man, laughter of ten, just happens to us. A trigger occurs and braps, laughter tek over. For example, you’re at a comedy show and a comedian enters the stage and says or does something and there, among a bunch of strangers you find yourself simultaneously caught up in this niceness, this glorious noise, this loud moment of human expression. Even the odd person who “didn’t get it” usually becomes infected by the laughter around and joins in the amusement. Laughter is indeed healing. So, laugh! Laugh at yourself and laugh with yourself. Share the jokes, even the corny ones and indulge the simple inter vals of hilarit y. Take a pause from the drudger y all around, resist the stress that the stiff and stifling seriousness of life throws at you and even momentarily, be a silly child again. Sure, a health crisis that has already claimed 1.5 million lives is clearly not a laughing mat ter. However, scientists already agree that laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection–fighting antibodies. Yes, it triggers the release of endorphins –which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, and it promotes a general sense of well -being that can even temporarily relieve pain and ease discomfor t. So, laughter is actually the safest, cheapest, feelgood drug! It is the per fect antidote to the COVI D blues. As the good book says in Proverbs 17: verse 22, a cheer ful hear t is good medicine.
Dr. Amina Blackwood Meeks, BH (M) College Orator
Culture Corner
ZOOM, ZIMMER, WHO GOT THE LINK TO MY DINNER? Christmas in the time of Covid19 is a remarkable confirmation that sometimes absence is the greatest presence. It also is a time to consider how traditions are made, maintained, redefined or lost. Take for example, the long-before-pandemic Jamaican phrase “link me” or its many variants such as, “link we fe link fe link up” used by Gregory Isaacs in one performance of his song Tune In. For an entire generation that phrase can only now imply a meeting on an electronic platform. Young and old alike are getting accustomed, and some actually enjoying, not just electronic meetings but electronic weddings, funerals, christenings and some might even be planning their electronic Christmas dinner. In fact, some friends and families have already decided that they will link up at dinner time, have the meal they have prepared in their individual homes and share a chat on zoom. Perhaps we have been unwittingly setting ourselves up for this distancing. We had grown to accept a visit by telephone on the excuse that time has not permitted the personal visits which once held high value in our culture. The contradiction is that older people had begun to chide the younger ones over the amount of time they were spending on the phone whether in one-to-one conversations or in group chats. The question which presents itself is, will we ever revert to the upclose-and-personal which was a distinguishing feature of how Caribbean people related? Once upon a time, social distancing was only observed as a demonstration of displeasure. To the person who had so disaffected you, you might say “Give me a wide circle or hole yu distance or stay wide”. Now any variant of these is a supposed to be a sign of caring. And just so new traditions and
new ways of making meaning of our lives are in vogue. What could possibly emerge with the same or equal significance to a family meal where each dish was prepared by a different guest, arriving in haphazard manner and yet trouncing the wait and the displeasure once everyone had arrived? What will become of Grand Market? This was another tradition that held varying levels of importance for all involved. It offered an opportunity to socialise and trip the lights fantastic. It provided a final opportunity for vendors to earn some money from the season of spending. It was just as valuable for persons, who having received their pay late – for a variety of unjust economic reasons – could still participate in shopping and buying gifts so they could be involved in the sharing of presents as a marker of the celebrations. Communities such as Brown’s Town in St. Ann, long-touted as having the best Grand Market in Jamaica will find the collective pride they took in this reputation challenging to replace as a cultural attribute. Perhaps, this is the first time in Jamaica, and perhaps among the rare occasions in the world when people are having to decide on how to initiate a tradition. By definition, traditions evolve as customs and beliefs are passed on from one generation to the next through practice. No one remembers when whitewashing of trees and sidewalks became a Christmas tradition. No one knows how bushing of sidewalks, especially in the rural areas, became part of the expectations of Christmas. But maybe everyone, including those who would often declare “I don’t celebrate Christmas” will feel the absence of the gatherings, without time limits set by zoom, and the ability to just get up and go for a slice of cake, because it was expected, traditionally, that the day would end with people who had not attended the main meal, just turning up for dessert. Zoom, zimmer, who’s got the link to my dinner?
GRADUATION 2020 Covid never stop we at all! Our graduating class of 2020 left in typical EDNA fashion! Beautifully arranged music, performances in dance and drama in a production themed Unmask. Breath. Change. We captured the moments in photos.
MEET CLASS OF 2020 VALEDICTORIAN
Students Share their E-Learning experiences during COVID-19 Stacy-Ann Lewis The College campus is usually abuzz with activities – concerts, rehearsals, plays, rehearsals, recitals, rehearsals, preparation for final year art exhibition and the usual impromptu vibes sessions under the tree. The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the energy of the campus and so the Collegiate checked in with a few students we saw on campus to see how they have been coping with classes in a virtual space. Describe your learning experience prior to COVID-19? “Enlightening…challenging” “It was difficult for me” “Slightly challenging in specific areas” “Okay, I guess” “Good, no hiccups” “Enjoyable, filled with interactive and enriching dialogue with lecturers”
Dale Haslam Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Dale ‘HazzieMuzik’ Haslam was further raised in the garden parish of Saint Ann, in a little district known as Train Line. At the age of fifteen Dale began practicing at church, and after years of pouring his young soul into playing, Dale’s skill, eccentricity and humility charmed the legendary guitarist, Earnest Ranglin. He was later placed under the tutelage of Maurice Gordon, who introduced him to the more formal side of playing music. In 1998, Dale joined the Skool Band, led by renowned Jamaican drummer, Desi Jones. In 2003, he began touring internationally with Reggae Great -Jimmy Cliff and since then, shared local and international stages with artistes such as Carlene Davis, Judy Mowatt (of the I-Threes), Barrington Levy, Richie Spice, Mutabaruku, Canadian Jazz and Blues singer, Robin Banks, Maurice Gordon’s Band, among others. Dale’s reputation as a skilful Jazz musician landed him high profile gigs at Jazz events, including Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Jazz in the Garden concerts and the Jamaica Big Band events. His stylistic influences come from Benjy Myaz, Leon Duncan, Family Man Barrett, Glen Browne, Neville Morris, Junior Jazz, John Patitucci, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, Victor Wooten, and Nathan East. A respected producer and recording artiste, Dale founded HazzieMuzik Productions in
2005. His first single, How Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a fusion of R&B, Gospel, Reggae and Jazz. Dale is inspired to help other musicians attain their dreams. To this end, he recently produced and released The Peace In Elohim, Vol.1 Compilation gospel project. The album features Dale and several gospel artistes including Flavia Beswick, whose single won Best Reggae Song at the October 2020 Antigua Barbuda Gospel Music & Media Awards. Dale’s determination to expand his musical ability, enabled him a skill for song writing, producing and arrangement. In his quest to share knowledge and inspire the younger generation, Dale enrolled in the Edna Manley School of Music, to strengthen his teaching capabilities. Throughout his tenure, he received several awards for topping his classes and winning best performance awards in respective categories. His dedication to academics landed him student grants and scholarships from foundations, namely, the Jah Jerry Foundation; the Chase Fund; the Jamaica Teachers Association Cooperation Credit Union Limited and Jamaica National Small Business Loan Foundation. As the curtain closes on his tenure at the Edna Manley College, he hopes the insights gained over the years will help him make a significant mark as lecturer of music studies- one that inspires
“Good”
What has your learning experience been like since COVID-19 and the introduction of online/blended classes? “It has been difficult and stressing due to certain restrictions and limitations” “The experience has been confusing, chaotic, full of anxiety, and just downright annoying. Nevertheless, I still did my work and what I had to do to execute an excellent performance” “Just challenging with platforms and unloading documents but I am surviving” “Online classes haven’t been difficult for me, mainly because it saves me a lot with travelling, and I wouldn’t have been able to be at school everyday for my classes. The information provided in classes is clear to understand” “I am one of those students who wasn’t able to do face to face classes before. I’d say it has been very interesting as I had to adopt to the online learning as it was something, I imagined myself doing at all” “the lecturers have been pretty great in assisting for Technique classes” “Challenging, especially for a dance student. Lack of space
The
Collegiate is a newsletter published by the Marketing and Communications Department of EMCVPA