The University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT) Jazz Combo returned to in-person performances this week with visits to St. Francis Boys’ and Fatima Colleges. The group, led by UTT’s Assistant Professor of Music, Aidan Chamberlain performed classic tunes such as Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man and Lord Kitchener’s Pan in Harmony, bringing a variety of different styles to the schools as well as opportunities to discuss performing and improvising.

The St. Francis Boys’ College visit was an opportunity for bassist Mark Haynes to perform at his Alma Mater. Mark graduated from the school in 2018 and is now in his final year as a music student at UTT’s Bachelor in Fine Arts at The Academy for the Performing Arts (APA).

The visit to Fatima College was an opportunity for the group’s pianist, Daniel Roberts, to showcase his skills. Daniel graduated from Fatima in 2016 and is also due to graduate from the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme this year.

Daniel is a recent recipient of the Music TT Spotlight Award and has been busy performing around the Caribbean with the A Team Band, backing up singers such as Patrice Roberts.

When asked about studying at APA, Daniel said;

“Attending the Academy for the Performing Arts is like a movie! You get to live your dream studying what you love with some of the most talented people the country has to offer”

Students from both schools had the opportunity to perform with the group and featured some excellent pan and brass playing from the St. Francis Boys’ College and very fine saxophone playing at Fatima College.