Calabar Eyeing Recording Studio
With alumni including esteemed artists John Holt, Damion ‘Cham’ Beckett, Dennis Rushton, Xavier ‘Double X’ Davidson, Javaun ‘Masicka‘ Fearon, and Louis ‘Dexta Daps‘ Anthony Grandison Jr., Calabar High School is no stranger to musical excellence.
Principal Albert Corcho is building on this legacy by revamping the school’s music program, which includes the present 10-member band, and a future recording studio.
“We want to build out a full studio,” Corcho told DancehallMag.
“I have the space, what I don’t have yet are the financial resources, and so, we’re appealing because the music will help to save this country, and we’re talking about good quality music.”
Beyond facilitating internal recordings, Corcho envisions the studio becoming a profit center for the school, aided by its central location at 61 Red Hills Road, Kingston.
“We want to develop it in such a way where outside persons can come and use the studio,” he shared. “If you look at Calabar, we have parking for everybody, so it is ideal… Can you imagine – won’t call any names – but one of the international Grammy winners passing through Calabar to come and see what’s happening in our studio or to voice on one of the tracks? Those are the long-term plans we’re looking at.”
The initiative was motivated by his observation of the boys’ gravitation to music, and wanting to turn that interest into a lifelong and viable skill. With the support of staff, he has integrated music in the curriculum as a tool to teach subjects like English Language.
Speaking about the related improved academic and behavioural performance of students, Corcho encouraged the integration of music across the education ministry.
“We’ve been able to use music as a channel to get the boys in school and to keep them focused,” he said.
“We’ve had the deejays, the singers, everybody, but as a ministry, I think we need to send a stronger message to say that music must be intertwined with all the other subjects if we’re going to get the type of behaviour and results we want. Why? Boys love music, so, let us teach the content through music.”