BVMP teachers head to Berklee

BVMP teachers head to Berklee - A group of people posing for a photo - Berklee College of Music

Donation heads off trip-stopping theft

Last Friday, two Keys musicians left for Berklee College of Music in Boston for six weeks —  a trip of a lifetime for two Bahama Village Music Program teachers and high school students who seldom leave the island.

Tenor saxophone and piano player Dustin Eamilao, 17, likes the sax because of its tone and how it resonates; he hopes to learn music theory during his trip. Trumpet, piano player and vocalist Camila Ferrufino, 17, anticipates fine-tuning her career goals.

“I am hoping the trip will help decide whether I want to do music therapy, composition or something else as a career and increase my level of performance,” she said.

At Berklee, the students will make music with other students from all over the world who share the same passion. They will study with renowned faculty, and get a taste of what Berklee, Boston, and college life are all about.

Bahama Village Music Program has a unique structure. Students become teachers, ensuring the program’s longevity. Eamilao and Ferrufino said the opportunity in Boston will not only further their own musical aspirations, but also help them become better teachers.

“Morgan was my first teacher with the Bahama Village Music Program. He is a percussionist and taught me how to play the piano,” said Eamilao. “It is nice giving back what I learned to others.”

Eamilao wants to pursue a career in aerospace engineering after graduating high school, but said music will always be a part of his life.

Both are extremely appreciative for the summer camp, whose fate was in limbo just a few days ago. Although the BVMP fundraised extensively for the trip, the organization was robbed just a few weeks ago. Fortunately, Dr. Bruce Boros stepped in with a generous donation to fund the trip.

“A thousand dollars is a huge amount of money to a non-profit like ours,” said program director Katchen Duncan.

Look for them to perform with the Bahama Village Music Program Jazz Band and with the high school band when they get back.