Partnership to Empower Aspiring Musicians
Students at The University of the West Indies at Cave Hill now have greater opportunities to pursue their musical passions, thanks to a partnership with A&B Music Supplies Ltd. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will provide scholarships, access to high-quality instruments, and invaluable industry mentorship to support the development of talented musicians at the campus’ Faculty of Culture, Creative and Performing Arts (FCCPA).
The highlight of this partnership is the provision of a music scholarship worth $2000 funded by A&B Music Supplies. This initiative is a game-changer for many students, alleviating financial barriers and enabling them to focus on their craft. “By offering this scholarship, A&B Music Supplies creates an opportunity for dreams to flourish,” said Professor David Akombo, Dean of the FCCPA and an accomplished musician. He emphasized that the resources made available through this collaboration will enhance the learning experience and further develop the intellectual, emotional, and cultural growth of students.
Reflecting on the significance of the partnership, Managing Director of A&B Music Supplies, Norman Barrow, said: “We could never have imagined that we would be here supporting a university to help develop young people in the Arts and Music.” His personal journey, from forgoing a career in architecture to becoming a musician and sound engineer, inspired his commitment to this initiative.
A cornerstone of the agreement is the establishment of the Norman Barrow Digital Archive, which will house a rich collection of live recordings from the donor engineer’s extensive career. These recordings will serve as a valuable resource for students, providing insights into the musical history of Barbados and the wider Caribbean.
Encouraging further alliances with the broader private sector, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Cave Hill Campus, Professor Clive Landis, stated: “This collaboration showcases how academia and industry can unite to inspire excellence and nurture cultural leaders.”
Beyond the scholarship and archives, the MOU aims to foster connections between students and industry professionals, giving students access to high-quality instruments, resources, and mentorship. This holistic approach to music education aligns with the university’s mission to produce well-rounded graduates who can make meaningful contributions to society.
The signing ceremony, held at campus’ George Lamming Pedagogical Centre last January 16, was attended by representatives from both agencies. This event marks the beginning of another promising partnership for The UWI Cave Hill Campus and the private sector, as it continues to build bridges between academia and industry to transform lives and strengthen the cultural fabric of the Caribbean.