The Northern Division of the Combined Schools Choir seeks to provide a safe space for students to enhance their musical abilities through consistent musical training and development. A team of dedicated teachers and musicians, including Robert Rene, Darleen Monrose and Embert Placide, serve as directors in this latest initiative to create positive spaces for musically inclined youth. Under the supervision of the Music Department of the Curriculum and Materials Development Unit (CAMDU) of the Department of Education, the choir grew to 56 students from various schools in School Districts 1 through 4.
In April 2022, the Combined Schools Choir will welcome one of the biggest names in Caribbean music, Mr. John Arnold. Mr. Arnold will lead a 5-day workshop from April 19-23 and will introduce the choir to various Caribbean choral arrangements. He will also lead a teacher’s workshop for the benefit of music teachers that will cover a host of topics such as music fundamentals and full arranging.
John Arnold served as musical director for the CARIFESTA contingent in Trinidad and Tobago on several occasions. He was also president of the Tobago Heritage Festival from 1990 to 1992 and received the Sunshine Award for Excellence in Music and Culture. To date, the following organizations have partnered with the Combined School Choir in this initiative: the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, STAYGE and Gold Chalk Educational Consultants. The choir would like to appeal to Saint Lucia businesses and anyone wishing to partner or sponsor this event to contact Principal Director Robert Rene at rrene@claps.edu.lc or Jason (Bachelor) Joseph at jason.joseph@camdu .edu.lc