CSEC Music Candidate (Eli Jeon) Music Hub

A few years ago, when Eli was only 6 years old, he his family showed him how to play the national anthem on the piano. He had never taken lessons before and within 15 minutes, Eli could have played the entire national anthem on the on the keyboard. That moment, it showed us something really special about Eli. However, that special thing that Eli has, that special gift, that was not it. That was not all that there was. It was not just his gift and his innate abilities that got him to where he is today. It was a journey of patience, of practicing, [snorts] his family having to sacrifice time and effort to drop him off to lessons to to to help him with his music CXC to to spend time with him, to help him with his compositions, to he it came about through mentors who helped him and guided him, through teachers who took their time and guided him, performance opportunities that was provided by some of the persons very here in this room, and also So just a structured learning. This is what got Eli to where he is today. I think that Eli being only 10 years old and sitting the C SEC examination and in grade five and earning a grade two is an aarkable achievement. Yeah. So [applause] remarkable. and his achievement is not like an isolated like exam result. I think it's this idea or or what had what Eli the journey and the pathway that he's on. You know it's it's an ideology. It's a community who rallied around Eli and he got to where he is today. and his journey is just starting right now is just is just the beginning of where what is to come. I would like to recognize his mother, his father, his entire family, grandfather, um grandmother, Lucas, who is also in the future. I can see Lucas, we putting the pressure on you. You come in, we putting in grade five in grade four. Grade four, we have Lucas in grade four. Aiyah, you know, we going to have Aaliyah coming in very soon as well. >> [laughter] >> So also I'd like to thank the Delelui Primary School for always being there and supporting him, our music coordinator, Miss Biru. Thank you for joining us. And um I would like to also thank our principal from Cash's comprehensive for believing like I mean it's a it's a heart asker. I'm coming to my principal and I'm asking my principal, can we sign up Eli, a grade five student, to write CXC together with our Cxc students, you know, and she agreed and we were able to have that right here through the casters conferences school. So, I'd like to thank Miss Daniel for that. Um, music hub itself is very proud to have provided the CC part of Eli's progress and his examination pathway. The prep the preparation required a little bit more than just playing his instrument because Eli had been playing Eli have been performing but it required a little bit of attention to you know we have to write at a certain level right we have to analyze music at a certain level we have to compose our songs we have to do music technology some of those things Eli had never done before and he just grabbed onto it and excelled and did an amazing job at it yeah uh [applause] I I just want to just um take the time now to just say, you know, it wasn't by chance. You know, it wasn't by chance that this happened with Eli. You know, he had a support system. He had a family, a father who was willing to help him. He had music teachers who was there to be with him. I do not think Eli should have should be an isolated case. We should have many more students like Eli. We should be able to develop them. And I'm so happy that he's blazing the pathway forward for us to see what is possible when we provide them with a structured pathway for learning. So I really hope that the future will see many more Elis to come and um and and and many more individuals like community members, supporters, mentors who are willing to rally around young people to allow them this opportunity to grow and to thrive the way that Eli has. Um I would like to just I would like to close by inviting Ministry of Education, schools, music educators, cultural institutions, all professional musicians, um our private sector. I need we need to have a like a serious conversation about a national pathway for music and for education in St. Lucia. So I'd like every like this is the only way that we can progress. is the only way. If we want if we if we want one if we give one child the opportunity and we allow this child to be an example for others, we will have others following and then we'll have a pathway that that is clear that we know what we can do and what we can actually achieve. So um again let today be more than just a celebration of a gifted young musician. Let it also be a call to identify the next Eli, the next students with talent. Let Eli be a trail setter. Let Eli be a a leader. Let Eli show what is possible through hard work, through community, and what we can achieve together as St. Lucians when we rally around our young people. Thank you very much, Eli. We are very proud of you. So Eli's story began when he was when he was about five six years old when he entered kindergarten and remind me Mrs. Bureau um I think that was just after CO so we had to do an independent rally but it was virtual and Mrs. bureau is at Babuno Primary School and she her school was the the ones that leading the national anthem most of the time and she said maybe you know there's a need for a change so I just thought to myself I say you come um let me show you that on the piano and then I I showed him how to play the national anthem on the piano and in to my surprise like in 15 minute like he was able to recite the entire thing and he he has never taken um music lesson before. That was the first time he's playing piano. So I told myself, "Wow, I must be really a good a good teacher to teach somebody like that in 15 minutes." Yeah. [laughter] And then I say and so that's when my like curiosity like start to peak. And then soon after that same year um semi one of semi Francis um called me say he wants me to um be on his music video new music video majestic love and through that discussion he saw Eli's playing the national anthem say hey you know can your son join us so that's the second time now Eli came and I said you know there are cameras Eli cannot just you know do a fake thing so I start showing showing him the chords of the song and in no time like just like 10 minutes before the shoot Eli was playing the chords on the keyboard and that's when I say okay you know that that it wasn't it wasn't a luck then [snorts] my curacy turn into like a general a genuine interest so that's how it began but then because of my commitment to my school cuz I'm a school teacher and I to I couldn't give him the classes I wanted to give him. Um so only two times I gave him 15 minutes class and and he and he succeeded. I wanted something regular for him. So the opportunity a few years passed and opportunity came about two and a half years ago when Mr. Celestine at the time was recruiting he was at school of music at a school of music and he was recruiting students to join the orchestra the national youth orchestra I don't remember the name don't quote me on that one but it was it was a youth orchestra so I without hesitating I tell Mr. Celestine okay you need to put him in for me please so we went to the with the orientation and where they are to choose instrument so in my mind I'm a pianist I say okay he needs to play piano that's where I can help him only to find out reach there there's no piano so I'm like oh my god what instrument is he like going to play so that's where the whole trumpet thing came because I had to choose and I say you know what I know the I'm a teacher so I know the importance of a good teacher. So I asked them can I see the list of teachers you have and the the instruments. So I was brought all the uh all the teachers were great wellqualified they were very nice but there's this one particular name I came across and I knew him and I know he's able to work with young students and bring out the best in them and that was Mr. Greavves. So [applause] when I when I saw his name said let me tell you I need Eli to be under Mr. Greavves. They tell me okay what instrument? Any instrument. They told me well you know what they don't have much trumpeters. Maybe he can play trumpet. So I wasn't thinking about how difficult the instrument was. I didn't know in fact only to find out trumpet is one of the most difficult instrument to play up to a day like today. I'm trying when I was you know going over some songs with Eli. I said Eli I I do not like to hear how that tone sounding. Let me show you how. Up to now I cannot play one note on the instrument. And let me tell you Eli learned to play a few notes on his first lesson. And so that's when I realized okay man is [clears throat] I've been too hard on this boy. [laughter] Right. So that was his journey and that was two years ago. So he played number of places. um including junior jazz gospelo a clash and in in his second year over there Mr. Ronald Boonson called me and say I'm looking for a talented young student who I can showcase in my my show show the world and I say I know just the person you know but like I don't want to tell you who because I don't want to sound biased [laughter] he say who well there's this young boy who's playing trumpet I said bring him bring him out to see him and then when he saw he was my son he's like turn [laughter] [gasps] and but that that was such a wonderful experience for Eli um he learned so much he got to interact with actor atro taping so much other great musicians where at late real sing by Mr. Boo's home with other great musicians learning and he he improved dramat uh drastically again after that incident and then on his he's just turning into third year playing um and he's been continued [clears throat] to get more experience he was featured as thank you to thanks to CDF he was featured as an artist as a part of lineup for at the city this year and I've been playing music for a number of years and that I that's something that I have never achieved [laughter] right and then he performed as part of the brass section for total calypso youngest again thanks to Mr. Shaloo and this year alone from January when I counted like it was more than about 20 events all school events government events he he has been asked to perform. So you can imagine number of times he had to be absent from his regular classes right um in addition to his studies. Eli, when I think about it, I put him under so much pressure because I I'm a moderator for music CXE and the whole idea came when I saw Eli's level um last September. I said, Eli, you know, I think you can do C. I was looking for qualifications for him to do. He did ABRSM Fury and he got a distinction. And so I say, what's the next step for him? And I say, "Okay, another qualification that's available to do in Susha is Cxc music." I said, "But Eli, you know, you like grade five. Grade six is CPA." And I know the principal wouldn't allow me to take Eli from school. I say, "You know what? Well, now is the time you have to do it before CPA because after CPA, you you're going to secondary school." So he says, "Daddy, you sure I can't do that? You can do it. What you think?" He say, "Okay, daddy, I'll try." So that's how his journey for CXE began and it was very challenging for him because CXC is usually two to three year program. So if you count the number of months from September and the the first exam which is a moderation is in March that's like 6 months. So he had to learn the entire syllabus in the 6 months and he had to submit his SBA written SBA and what I realized apart from learning the twoear syllabus in six months time because he was so young his writing abilities had to improve the way he had to process his thoughts explain his opinion he had to take a whole different class added to the syllabus he had to learn how to use different softwares to make music. He had to make his own music. Um he had to analyze music. In addition to that the secondary school well go through like subject like it for them to learn how to use Microsoft word computer but he didn't he didn't know that. So he had to learn that as well and at the same time he within that same time right he had to perform different places and I'm so happy that he he pulled through right so you you congratulations good job and through this journey he has sacrificed a lot and I have learned that success at this level requires requires strong like support system. Talent alone isn't enough is not enough. A child needs support from home. School, community, mentors, friends, government, organizations. There are so many people I want to thank. You know, it's span of 3 years. I cannot thank everybody right now due to the time limit Mr. Celestine has given me. But I would like to mention a few people. I want to start with my neighbors because my neighborhood is very quiet. You can hear a pin drop, right? My neighbor would hang clothes and you would hear when the person is clipping the clothes, right? And my neighbor is a former um permanent secretary of ministry of education, Miss Michelle. And she always gives me a joke. When we first moved in, I only had Eli at the time. You say wow a child. And then I'm a musician. I start carrying piano. He say piano. [laughter] And at the time I had a drum set. He's like drums. Oh my god. This Yeah. I It's like I just didn't fit the profile of the neighborhood. But I really want to thank them because not once not once they ever complain. In fact, they were so supportive. Every time they would send a message to me or Eli's mom, hey, I'm not saying Trumpet today. How's Eli? Is Elite sick? They would look for opportunities for him to perform. They would encourage him every time they see me like good job. So I really want to start with the neighborhood and then I want to go to his school now with the principal, his teachers. He miss so he had to miss so many classes and he's I can tell you he's a grade A student top of the class. I I'm I'm still shocked that he's able to maintain all these grades and he's missing out so many classes. So I really want to thank the teachers to put things in place for him to continue learning his principal and staff all the stuff. And even Eli tells me when I pick him up, Eli um daddy you know there was this student I don't know him he's in older grade than me but he tell me congrats good job. So there are students schoolmates giving him moral support and I find that was really nice and it really helped him. And then now we have Mr. Cal who's like a grandfather to Eli always looking out for Eli. Mr. Young, how's Eli? Is your son uh can your son um perform for whatever event? I really want to showcase him. He's always checking up on you and I really want to thank Mr. Seal. And now we have Mrs. Biru. She's a music um coordinator in district one. Every event she's like Mr. Young, let's showcase it. Let's and give him an opportunity. And I want to thank Mr. Buhingen for sharing his knowledge. He's even sharing the the future plans what he wants to do with Eli like just outside the door before we began. So I really appreciate him. He's he has always welcomed me. I don't know if he remembers but when I was a student, one of the first person to encourage me to play music was Mr. Buson. I was going to a secondary school and he came in my school and I was playing piano. Yeah. And then he's like, "Yeah, don't give up. Continue. Continue." And he would tell Eli, "Eli, you know, I'm your biggest fan." And that really boosted Eli's moral. And you know, for CX um SBA, you have to choose accomplished musician. You have to study their music. I said, you know, who you want to study? Daddy Boing. I said, "Boy, Boo's music is not easy. What you going to do? What what are you doing?" He say, "No, I love his music." I said, "Oh my god, Eli, after you have to learn the syllabus in 6 months, you want to analyze Bu's music." But he did it and he did the BA. We we went by Buu. He saw the SBA. Buu is always welcoming. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I really appreciate you. And now music of Mr. Celestine. He's he's gone beyond um his call of duty. This press release was all organized by him and his team. Mr. Nasses, Miss Joan, Miss Heit, apart from giving CXC classes, they carried him. They give him as an uncle. So Eli doesn't even call him sir anymore. His uncle, his uncles, and then his trumpet tutors, Mr. Grieve, Mr. Jones. And there are so many people directly indirectly who [snorts] who helped Eli like Miss Lucenne um members of the police band the the current um ex retired police band members the directors Mr. Piper Mr. Dufet all giving him encouragements and advice how to play how to further himself on the instrument. There are so many people I want to mention individually but like it's just impossible. So just know we appreciate everyone and thank you for the support and with dedication and hard work and the support you know extraordinary things are possible. So on behalf of my family our family thank you to all for being part of Eli's journey and helping make this possible. Thank you. >> Let me first congratulate Eli. Um I'm not at all surprised at his achievements because when um Chong brought him to me, I realized I was dealing with a very disciplined and focused and committed young man. And that is a trait that sometimes can be difficult to find in young people. So I also want to congratulate all his support system, his dad, his family, Leon, all his teachers, you know, because music is not always easy, you know. I have to tell you also that I notice I also know that he's a grade A student and I remember sitting on a commission that when Mario Michelle was the minister of education, he set up a commission to look into the music program in the schools and I sat on that commission and what we discovered is that all the children who do music do better academically. That's a fact. That is not something I'm saying off my head. That is something that research has, you know, um um discovered through that is something that discovered through research. So I'm not surprised at all at his at his grades, you know. But um when Jung brought him to me um before my concert, I said, "Well, okay, maybe I can put him on my concert." And the concert I do is not exactly all boom boom music, you know. It's It's kind of different. And so Ch says to me, "But he can play one of your songs." I said, "Which one?" He says, "Um, Luna Latina. It's And that song has some very intricate parts." And lo and behold, Eli just went through the thing. I said, "Oh my gosh, this guy, how old is he?" And when we did the show, Aruro Tap in Aruro is a world-class musician who's played with Aruro played with Roberto Flack for about 16 years. Zuru B Luther Vandross. So he knows talent when he sees it, you know. And I also had the assistant professor from the music school in Trinidad, um, Tony Woodruff, and they both said to me, boom, if this guy can play that song and play this intricate part at that age, he's going to be a boss. He's going to be a really successful musician. So, I really want to wish Eli all the best and I want to tell you that I'm available anytime you need me and and we I look forward to having you on my concert again in December, but now you're a big CXC pro. I don't know what kind of price I I worried about the price you. So, who's going to make the prize? I know it was you or your dad. So, whichever way somebody has to give me a deal here, right? But um I I want to wish you every success in your future and I I know you're going to become a great musician and to tell you that I'm always here anytime. Just pick up your phone and call me. I'll be there. [applause] On behalf of the general education system, we just want to commend Mr. Eli Young and the family members for this accomplishment and all those who worked with him to ensure that he reached the milestone that many persons are just dreaming about. For example, there are secondary schools right now you have students who are writing the exam after 5 years and they still will not get it. that um Eli at such a young age at age 10 that's the age I went to primary school >> but Eli now has successfully completed the CCK program in music so we need to put our hands together once again for for ELI [applause] and so I want to take this opportunity again to make educators understand that we have to redefine the whole concept of the definition of education that modality of thinking that education is simply the acquisition of knowledge and so on. This is prehistoric method of education and only um yesterday I was meeting with Mrs. this bureau and the rest of the um education um staff at district one and I met with a principal at a school and I told the principal listen I don't want to come to your school and see a timet there and say at 9:00 you're doing this at 10:00 is that and so no scrap that you do with the children and for the children what is of best interest to them what will get them to the next level and then with this now having young completing this program at such tender age here what it has brought forward to Very often at the schools we only speak about special education and when we speak about special education we speak of the students who are under privilege or those who are academically challenged but there is the accelerated learning which must come with special education also special education I want us to redefine it is not as I said not just simply for students who are deprived but those who want to move on why are we keeping them back they're ready to move on whether it is in music in sports in drama Whatever it is, we have to be prepared to to to change the whole education process around and get the students to reach the level that they want to reach. So again, young, you're young. So congratulations again and district one will continue to be there to support innovation in education. I remember last year at our independence when um Mr. Young told me that he will be writing the exam and so on. The very morning he told me that we were at independence. I brought a young man on stage and I advertised him. I said, "Listen, this is a young man in grade five who will be writing the CC exam. We are going to make history in district one and you." Okay. But then Mr. Bo, we need to commend you also. I recall some time back about maybe seven or eight years um you were making a presentation to students and then you told them that even though you have perfected your skill in music but you have never stopped how you call it practicing you spend every morning you wake up early and you still practice and practice and practice and when you said that um with him is discipline and he has a purpose then that's what we need for the young people. So again the education system we will continue to diversify. We will continue to radically change program around so children will not come and think as if they are sitting in in in a room where it is a a prison wall. No no no no no. So madam principal those who ready to move on we move them. [laughter] Okay. [applause] So thank you again to the family and the grandparents who who travel from South Korea. All right. And then to to be with the family again, we say thank you again. >> Eli has really been a very humble, a very disciplined child at the school and he rises above I think any challenge that you would um that comes his way and um he he just gives it his all and we are really really really um appreciative of that. for his parents. I think they are very very very supportive of him. Um they they they they are very supportive in both his music but as well in his education. They don't believe that he he he just has to deal with music and not deal with his education. So they are serious on both ends and we really appreciate that. Um I also want to thank all those people who have been supporting him over the years. Um at our school the children are really supportive of him as well as well as our music teacher Mr. Joseph who really assist him when he needs it. And so um we are very very proud of you um Eli I know at assembly this um on Mon on Tuesday you will be highlighted because we did had that in um as our plan. Okay. So once again I want to say congratulations and all the best. [applause] >> Morning everyone. Thank you all for coming today. I am very happy to be here. When I started learning music, I never imagined that I would one day write CC music. There were many days of practice, lessons, homework, and performances. But I enjoyed learning new things and challenging myself. First I would like to thank God my family especially my parents my teachers and principals at the D pellet Louisiana Primary School Mr. Seal District 1 education officer district one >> my music teachers my music teachers Mr. Celestein Mr. Graves and Mr. Jones, my mentors, Mr. Ronald Bhingson and Uncle Ethan. Music hub, my friends, and everyone who supported me along the way. Music has given me confidence, helped me make new friends, and allowed me to perform in many places and meet many wonderful people. This year, I visited three schools during my tour. I asked my father to see if I could visit all the schools in St. Lucia. I also want to host my own event to showcase other talented students like me. I hope that my I hope that my journey can inspire other young students to follow their dreams. No matter how young they are, if we work and never give up, we can achieve great things. Once again, thank you very much. I love you all. [applause] [music] >> [music] [music]