The St. George’s High School Jags Pop Band

The St. George’s

High School Jags Pop Band

By Yolanda Hanna Photograph Courtesy Of Alfred Anderson

St. George’s High School Jags Pop Band Members

he St. George’s High School Jags Pop Band—they sing, dance, play all their own instruments and their exuberance on stage is infectious. Just watch them perform Bahamian music favourites like Geno D’s “Stagger Lee”, KB’s “Jus Cus She Fat”, or the godfather of Bahamian music, the legendary Ronnie Butler’s classic tune “Bahama Rock”, and T you will witness the crowd’s startling reaction to a group of youngsters who are singing songs that were recorded before they were born.

To say that the Jags Pop Band comes alive on stage is an understatement.

This merry band of high school students is a part of the St. George’s High School Performing Arts programme, and their talents are being carefully guided under the tutelage of Subject Coordinator Shaquita Stubbs and performing arts teacher Keith Saunders.

And although the band performs music from an array of genres, Stubbs said a heavy emphasis is placed on Bahamian cultural music in the performing arts programme to promote Bahamian culture, and for the students to develop an appreciation for and connection to their Bahamian heritage.

“We want the students to appreciate Bahamian music and we even encourage them to put their own spin on the classics. We push them to try something new and, in doing so, we realized that the students began to appreciate and connect to the music.”

Saunders agrees, admitting that he notices a stark difference in the band when they perform Bahamian music.

“They come alive when they perform Bahamian music. They’re connecting to it, they spark, they get excited and they’re having fun. When the students perform Bahamian music, they see the crowd’s reaction to their performance on stage. They’re learning to appreciate it and really feed off the crowd’s energy.”

The St. George’s High School Jags Pop Band has become extremely popular on Grand Bahama. It’s evident that the band has won over the hearts of the community by the numerous invitations they receive to perform at cultural events and special occasions on the island.

Not bad for a high school band who has only been in existence for 10 years and loses band members every year when its 12th-grade members graduate.

“The initial pop band was formed in 2012/2013, and the performing arts programme was started in 2014,” said Stubbs.

“When we formed the band, music was an elective at St. George’s High School. We had gotten our hands on some equipment—a drum set, a guitar, and a bass. The students were interested, so that’s how the band began.

“Back then, the interest in the elective was overwhelming. When the music officer, Jewel Dean, visited the school and saw what we were doing, she thought it was a course. I explained to her that it was an elective and she was shocked because the schools in Nassau had performing arts programmes. So, that year, I wrote a proposal for St. George’s to have a performing arts programme. Not long after, it was implemented and the same students who were in the pop band at that time were in the 11th grade, and I was able to pull them into the programme.”

St. George’s High School is the magnet school for performing arts on Grand Bahama. Many of the students who have gone through the programme have been the recipients of scholarships to accredited colleges and universities in United States and Canada which have afforded them the opportunity to continue their performing arts and/or music education at the tertiary level.

Both Stubbs and Saunders are extremely proud of this accomplishment.

“Many of our students have secured scholarships over the years,” said Saunders. “Some of them have returned home to Grand Bahama and are contributing their knowledge to the band. This is a wonderful example to our students that there is a career path here. Some of our former students are still abroad and have begun their careers in other countries.”

This group of talented high school students is making a contribution to keeping the cultural sounds of The Bahamas alive and being members of the Jags Pop Band has drastically changed their perception of Bahamian music.

“I never knew much about Bahamian music, but the pop band has helped me to begin to understand my culture and the place where I was born.” Jabez McIntosh, grade 11.

“Being a member of the pop band has helped me love and appreciate my talent. I’ve always loved my culture but now I cherish Bahamian music to a higher degree.” Kiara Rolle, grade 11.

“The pop band has tremendously impacted my life. I have an appreciation for Bahamian culture, music and dances. Out of all of the music we perform, Bahamian music has been the most fun to do.” Ray Clairmond, grade 11.

“Being a member of the Jags Pop Band has changed my life. I can now sing and dance. I always loved Bahamian music but now I love it more, Bahamian culture is fun.” Wenthiana Dorfilus, grade 12.

“I enjoy having fun and being able to express myself. Being in the pop band has changed my life, I am able to appreciate Bahamian music more because we perform it.” Vannessa Hanna, grade 11.

“Being in the pop band has made me more confident, and now I have a new appreciation for Bahamian music and culture.” Ja’Quan Russell, grade 11.

As The Bahamas moves toward celebrating its 50th year of independence, what is the hope for the future of the Jags Pop Band and the St. George’s Performing Arts Programme as the country prepares for its golden jubilee?

Stubbs has one wish, “It would be so wonderful if St. George’s was a performing arts school where students could study drama, music, and dance, along with their core subjects. This would really give us the opportunity to concentrate on developing the talents of our youth.”

From your lips to God’s ear, Shaquita Stubbs. UA