The Gladys Abraham Elementary School choir has long delighted fans with lively renditions of local folk melodies and traditional holiday tunes, and this year, the students are celebrating Music in the Schools/V.I. History Month with the release of a new tribute album featuring the songs of renowned Crucian musician Wilbur "Bill" La Motta.
The choir is the Department‟s spotlight feature for the St. Thomas-St. John District this March, which has been designated Music in the Schools Month. Gladys Abraham officially released the album, entitled "The Music Man, Wilbur "Bill‟ La Motta," on March 9th at the St. Thomas Assembly of God Church with an evening performance for special guests, parents and school staff. Joining them in the performance was La Motta‟s brother, Raymond, who delighted the audience with original compositions for the piano, including, "En Mis Islas Virgenes (In My Virgin Islands)."
"I just think Bill La Motta is a great composer, and in the Virgin Islands, I think we as music teachers need to talk to the kids about their own cultural form of music first. And Mr. La Motta really did the gamut, running from quelbe to jazz and folk, and even some classical compositions – he composed over 400 works, and really everything he did has that Caribbean feel. I can always see us in his music."
The school‟s choir has already produced CDs based on two of La Motta‟s music books, "The Virgin Islands In Song" and "Virgin Islands Folk Songs." The La Motta album is the choir‟s third release and is currently on sale for $15 at International Records and Tapes, Dockside Bookshop, the Draughting Shaft and Nina‟s Beauty Palace.
The choir will also be celebrating Transfer Day with a repeat performance, scheduled for Saturday, March 31st at the Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas. The concert, featuring songs from the new CD, begins at noon and ends at 2:00 p.m. The entire public is encouraged to come out and support the students, and celebrate V.I. History/Music in the Schools Month with La Motta‟s beautiful melodies.
"These songs, and our culture, it really should be promoted and cherished," Toussaint-Williams said.
