A capacity congregation was at Bethel Methodist Church at South Hill on Sunday evening, December 14, where Carbon’s Music Studio showcased the developing talents of its student body, featuring in particular 15-year-old Conlloyd O’Connor Gumbs, in one of the most enjoyable local piano recitals in Anguilla in recent times.

Conlloyd at Grand Piano

The young boy, of a quiet demeanor, and obviously great musical skills, played like a professional, his fingers quickly raking across the piano’s keys when the tempo of his pieces called for that type of action, and gently caressing them during the slower variations of the musical notes.

The confidence and beauty of his performance resulted in much orderly clapping from the spectators in the formal setting of the occasion and his parents, Conrad and Enna Gumbs, who swayed their heads as they too enjoyed the musical treat.

Conlloyd’s parents applauding him

The recital comprised some 18 tunes with one intermission, and also had the participation of four other students at Carbon Music Studio who joined Conlloyd in ensuring a delightful musical evening for all in attendance. The others who appeared briefly at the piano were Kniquiah Hughes, Crefton Niles and Whitney Rey-Harrigan.

“It was a marvelous evening and I am very proud of Conlloyd,” Teacher Lois of Carbon Music Studio told The Anguillian.

Teacher Lois and three of her music students

Writing in the recital brochure, Teacher Lois observed: “He has the ability to practice for hours on end and he could live in a music room. His personable nature and sense of humour make him a joy to teach. Conlloyd has consistently performed at a high level at the ABRSM in both his practical and theory exams. He is currently registered for the Grade 8 ABRSM practical exam, which he will take in May 2009. With continued dedication and passion he is sure to shine at this culminating point of his career as a student of music.”

The music student expressed gratitude to his teacher for her hard work and the interest she was having in ensuring his success, and he was also grateful to the many persons who attended the recital. He further showed his appreciation by presenting bouquet of flowers to Teacher Lois and to Jerice Fleming who transported him on various occasions to his music classes.

Section of congregation at Recital

Conlloyd enrolled as a music student at the age of five years with Mrs. Candis-Ann Fleming and a year later joined Teacher Lois’s class. His now proud teacher recalled that he wanted to play Fur Elise after his Grade 2 Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) practical exam. She thought it was difficult for him but after much wrangling between them she gave in. Not only did he perform at the recital for that year, but the audience demanded an encore performance.

The piano recital was ably chaired by Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett, a past early music student who has moved on to a Public Service career and now holds the appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education. She commended Carbon’s Music Studio for its role among young people and Conlloyd Gumbs for his developing musical talent as well as the other students who briefly participated in the programme.

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