Early preparations for the 2026 Festival of the Arts are off to a strong start, as 50 choir teachers from primary and secondary schools across Grenada return to their classrooms equipped with enhanced skills to elevate their school choirs.
The teachers recently participated in a comprehensive choir development workshop at the Public Workers Union building in St George’s, designed to strengthen vocal performance and choral leadership.
The training covered essential techniques including breathing, voice placement and projection, diction, interpretation, creativity, vocal anatomy, posture, rhythm and intonation.
The workshop was facilitated by Voice Specialist Valarie Daniel-Burkhardt, who has extensive experience conducting workshops and seminars for professionals, including professors, politicians, broadcasters, and actors, helping them refine their vocal delivery and projection.
Her assistant, Lucinda Ogilvie, highlighted the importance of understanding the elements that contribute to a clear and resonant tone. She also emphasised the value of such training initiatives. “I think it’s extremely important, not just for teachers and students, but even for our local musicians, our calypsonians, and all artistes. Participating in training like this is essential to understanding the voice and learning how to use it properly, so that it is not damaged over time,” she said.
The workshop was organised by the Division of Culture in the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture.
Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob encouraged participants to apply what they have learned, noting, “The ministry is working with you to ensure that the choirs emerging from your schools are of a very high standard.”
Principal of the Hermitage Government School Donovan Richards expressed appreciation for the practical value of the training. “We have learnt exercises that can be used with our students to improve their singing skills. We will return to our schools better prepared to help our students develop their techniques and deliver stronger performances, especially for the upcoming Festival of the Arts,” he said.
Teacher at the South St George Government School Kellyann Gunpot also welcomed the initiative. “It is important for teachers to have the knowledge and tools to prepare students effectively, especially as the Festival of the Arts returns. This workshop has certainly helped to build that capacity,” she said.
Arlene Joseph, Cultural Officer responsible for voice and singing in the Division of Culture, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the session. “The workshop was very productive. Teachers are enthusiastic and now equipped with the knowledge needed to guide their choirs toward delivering top-class performances during the Festival of the Arts,” she noted.
Certificates of completion were presented to participants by Senator Quinc Britton, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture, along with Chief Cultural Officer Kelvin Jacob.
Ministry of Tourism
