SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER, 2015 – UWI TODAY
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For more information about DCFA, please contact Mr. Joseph Drayton at 645-1955 or visit their website:
One of the most beloved aspects
of UWI Graduation
ceremonies is the live music courtesy the Department of
Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) and accompanying
bands. DCFAHead of Department and Senior Lecturer Mr.
Jessel Murray gave us a behind the scenes glimpse of into
what the production process for the big band sound driving
all our Graduation ceremonies’ pomp and circumstance.
DCFA oversees the recruitment and supervision of
the bands that provide music for the respective ceremonies
(Police Band, Fire Services Band and UWI Steel in 2015).
The Head of Department (HOD) also consults with the
Coordinators of the Performing Arts Units (principally
Music and more recently Dance) to provide interludes.
Lecturers make recommendations and the Head of
Department ultimately decides on the scheduling – though
sometimes it has to do with student availability. Dance
pieces are usually proposed based on previously developed
concert material.
DCFA is always striving to present music which has a
high impact whether it’s a traditional piece such as “Some
Enchanted Evening” or a student composition (the first work
used this year was “Life’s a Joy,” composed by undergraduate
Music major, Daniel Ryan).
When it comes to coordinating with the Fire Services
and Police Bands typically, each Band decides on their
The music, song and dance
of the pomp and circumstance
B Y J E A N E T T E A W A I
ENERGY
UWI GRADUATION CEREMONIES 2015
own repertoire, however, there are certain mandates –
The prelude consists of freely chosen music, followed by
the required processional music for graduates, staff, the
Academic Deans, and lastly the platform party. The last
musical element is recessional music for the entire company.
Outside of UWI Graduation Ceremonies, DCFA has
been in high demand for several similar ceremonies. In the
past two years, they have received numerous requests for
Faculty graduations including the Faculty of Humanities
and Education (FHE). DCFA have also been requested
for seminar openings, workshops, and many other events.
Services may be asked for a rendition of the National
Anthem (either sung or played), other times it may be for
full scale performances or backgroundmusic for a reception.
The DCFA also recognises the achievement of their
talented graduates beforehand and continues to showcase
their multifaceted artists through a host of concerts and
exhibitions throughout the academic year. The Dance Unit
has major performances at the end of each semester – Fete
de la Dance and Sole to Sole respectively while the Music
Unit has ten ensembles that includesThe UWI Arts Chorale
and the UWI Steel (who perform together), The UWI
Percussion, UWI Guitar Ensemble, and UWI Classical
Indian Ensemble, and the newest ensemble – the UWI
Wind Ensemble whose concert takes place later this month.
