On the Northside, Saint John’s College has a visual arts center, and soon, Wesley College on the Southside will be able to boast of a center for music education.
Ground was broken today for the project spearheaded by Area Representative Hon. Mark Espat and the Methodist School’s management.
Area Rep. Espat says that the idea for the center is closely attached to the spirit of Methodism.
Hon. Mark Espat, Albert Area Representative
“Over the last several months we have been discussing with Principal Brenda (Armstrong) and Reverend Goff the very important role that music plays in the Methodist community in general but also in their curriculum. So our vision is for a facility that will not just be a service to the students. But it will also offer classes in music education after hours, on weekends, and during the summer to the general community, the people of Albert, and the wider music community. We also have as part of the building, which is over 3,0000 square feet: 5 classrooms, a recording studio where we hope that actual recording of music will take place and it will be a spring board for talented musicians in the country to be able to get out their product into market.
Brenda Armstrong, Principal Wesley College
“We’ve been dreaming about expanding the music education program and this structure is going to afford us that opportunity. Not only to offer CXCs in music but also to go beyond that with associates degree in music education.”
After brief speeches, Espat, along with the Methodist’s Reverend David Goff and the ubiquitous NICH President Yasser Musa broke ground. The center is estimated to cost $300,000 and will open in September of 2005. It is designed by local architects, International Environments Limited.