(Eleuthera, Bahamas) – On April 4th, 2014, the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) band rendered their fellow peers, along with the Emma E. Cooper primary student body, Palmetto Point residents, and numerous other authorities, a real taste of their stellar performance in New Providence at the ‘Battle of the Bands’ at 2:00 pm on their school grounds.
The 43 member band, under the tutelage of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, was the only band that walked away with trophies from each of the three categories, placing 1st in the Parade Band category, 2nd in the Show Band category, and 2nd in the Drumline category – only being defeated by the Government High School.
Mr. Martin Gaitor remarked during the event, how they had to take a trip to Kelly’s for white spray, paint and duct tape, so their instruments would be in top shape – and despite this, the students stood shoulder to shoulder with the Government High School and represented Central Eleuthera well. Hon. Damian Gomez, Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, and Minister of State for Legal Affairs further stated that it is in his budget to provide new instruments for the school.
Smart looking, wonderful sounding, full contingent of the Central Eleuthera, High School Marching Band.
The talented young musicians had the crowd cheering them on as they gave a wonderful performance. They had many unique show pieces, among which, they formed into diamond, the school’s initials (C.E.), a square and a few others. As was also noted, the CEHS band was the only band that had two different bass drums, and it truly added a nice twist to their drumline.
Band member, Astranique Gardiner, reflected upon the many long evenings they spent, including Saturday and Sunday, practicing and practicing until they got every step correct. She remarked that in being a member of the band, they had to discipline themselves to never give up, in order to excel.
The authorities in attendance, namely, Police Superintendent Ismella Davis, Administrators Mrs. Margaret Symonette and Mr. Marlon Leary, and Minister Gomez all extended a warm congratulations to the Central Eleuthera High School band and urged them to continue their hard work.
At the end of it all the band members climbed aboard open vehicles in a motorcade from the high school in Palmetto Point into Governor’s Harbour. They made a stop at the open parking lot outside First Caribbean and performed there for onlookers in the relatively busy center of town. Following that impromptu performance they rode on to Cupid’s Cay and back to Palmetto Point, going “through the country” (North Palmetto) and back to the high school grounds.
It was a time of pure ecstasy for the school and their supporters.
