Heart Beat drums out twelfth year with conservation theme

SKNIS Photo: Phipps expounds on Heart Beat 2012

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 21, 2012 (SKNIS): Heartbeat will once again bring its pulsating rhythms to drum enthusiasts and parents on Thursday, June 20, this time to an environmental theme.

Royd Phipps Drumming Specialist at the Department of Culture informed the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service that Heartbeat will showcase the talent of primary school students, but as customary there is an added element.

“Well, this is the 12thyear we are having Heart Beat,” Mr. Phipps explained. “Even though the emphasis is on the drums, we try to have a subtitle that is very important, that people can relate to. It speaks to the children so that they can understand as well, so that as they drum they can think on these issues.”

The Drumming Specialist has found an interesting way to do this.

“We plan to bring the environmental message across quite clearly,” Mr. Phipps noted. “So before some of the presentations, representatives working in different sectors of the environment will talk about ways in which we can protect and conserve where we live – then we will come in with the drums.”

The décor of the venue is another aspect that has attracted spectators to Heat Beat. As customary, Mr. Phipps will set the mood for the staging of the drumming extravaganza by changing the look of the venue. This year, the former Boys School will be transformed and recycled material will play a prominent role to go along with the theme.

The efforts of Mr. Phipps have borne fruit in that he has seen several of his students join the drum corps of the Okolo Tegremantine Dance Theatre, become drummers in their churches and perform at talent shows. He explained that its makes him proud to see how they have blossomed remembering their timid beginnings. Discipline was described as one important attribute that can be derived from drumming and music in general, that can be applied to all aspects of life.

Mr. Phipps took the opportunity to invite residents to Heart Beat 2012, today, June 21, at the former Boys School starting at 6:30 pm.