By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
No fewer than 33 children were awarded with the Certificate of Attendance by the Mater Christi Youth Religious Formation and Counseling Centre (MACYREFAC), Music Department for a 2 weeks music training programme.
The training which took place at the Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, covered tutorials on violin, guitar, keyboard, voice and recorder.
Speaking at the grand finale of the training, the Music Director of the Music Department, Rev. Sr. Beth Anumba noted that music is a holistic formation that offers spiritual, psychological, intellectual and social development and as well teaches mannerisms, team spirit and the ability to stand individually and perform.
“I am highly impressed and happy by the performances of these children. When they came into the center for the 2 weeks music programme, they knew nothing about music but after the daily rigorous tutelage, they could play their chosen instrument perfectly and sing too.
“I encourage them to always pay attention to their teachers, use the knowledge they have gathered here to praise God, serve humanity and keep learning music while parents should keep supporting their children in their field of study and always bring them to every August music programme because it helps in grooming them aright.”
She, then, announced that the school offers 3 years diploma programme, a 2 years program, and an instrument training program for anyone who wants to learn music, noting that the next academic session would commence on October 14, this year.
The administrator of the school, Rev. Sr. Bridie Ekwugha praised the children for their performances, noting that the hard works, seriousness, zeal and efforts they put in made their performances superb.
She commended the teachers for their relentless efforts and patience in training the children and also the parents and guidance for ensuring that the children participated in the August edition of the programme and the individual who made a cash donation to the school with the promise of gifting the children with school bags.
“This is an annual programme which began with a one-week youth programme in which the children were taught family values, how to live a meaningful life, moral education among others.’’
Another instructor, Rev. Sr Mary Grita Aruma added that they have a television programme titled, “growing up together” where children are taught the Catholic faith and good morals.
“This programme is open to everyone who is not a Catholic, as far as the child’s parents approve of the child’s participation.”
The Chaplain of the centre who is also the vicar of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia lauded the school authority for their efforts in training the children, making the area conducive for learning and the wonderful performances of the children.
“I know it has not been easy to groom these children especially when they have no basic music knowledge. Your sacrifices and input on them have paid off greatly with their wonderful performances.
“I urge you not to relent but rather work hard for hard work pays and the knowledge you have gathered here will widen your intellect and intelligence because music sharpens the brain,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, one of the teachers, Mr. John Ezeani, thanked the parents for giving their children the opportunity to participate in the music training, and the music director, Rev. Sr Beth Anumba for her services to humanity through music.
He appealed to parents not to discourage any of their children who want to further their studies in music, noting that it makes them stand out, exposed, self-employed and intelligent, and as well advised them to watch over their children so that they would not engage in social vices.
“Music opens up the cognitive part of the brain which makes one very intelligent and any child who studies music in school at a tender age tends to do exceeding well in any discipline.”
There was the presentation of certificates to the children at the end of the event.
