By Boyd Gibson, Chair, Department of Music & Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
As the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) prepares to celebrate its 91st Graduation Weekend from June 28-30, 2024, the spotlight shines brightly on its vibrant Music Department. Nestled in Trinidad, this department stands as a beacon of musical excellence not only for the island but across the Caribbean region. What sets USC apart is not just its rich history but also its commitment to nurturing new talent, evident in the dynamic leadership of its recent graduates and advanced students.
Under the stewardship of Mr. Boyd Gibson, who assumed the role of chair of the Music Department following the departure of Mr. Kerron Hislop, a new era of growth and innovation has dawned. Mr. Gibson now serves as Artistic Director, overseeing a cadre of talented directors who helm USC’s esteemed music ensembles: Ms. Diahann White at the University Women’s Chorus, Mr. Niall Edwards with the University Concert Band, Ms. Siobhan Lawrence directing the University Chorus, and Mr. Anton Charles leading the University Orchestra. Each of these directors brings a unique blend of experience and passion to their roles, propelling their ensembles to new heights of musical achievement.
Ms. Diahann White, Director, University Women’s Chorus
Ms. Diahann White serves as the Director of the University Women’s Chorus and holds a BA in Music with honors in Music Education, specializing as a Dramatic Mezzo. Currently a student in the Margaret Richards Vocal Studio, she also tutors at the USC Music Academy. At the University of the Southern Caribbean, Diahann directs the University Women’s Chorus, which recently achieved second place in the Open Choirs category at the 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival. Notably, she acted as guest conductor for the Holy Name Convent Secondary School Choir, leading them to victory in the Arts Support Alliance Trophy for Jr. Contemporary Religious Choir at the same festival.
Diahann’s musical journey includes significant professional development, such as attending the intensive workshop “The Choral Warm Up” at Westminster Choir College under the guidance of James Jordan in 2022, a Master Class with Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand at North Carolina ACDA 2022, and auditing a conducting Master class with Dr. Richard Tang Yuk in 2022. She has also benefited from private conducting sessions with choral clinician Dr. Ariel Quintana of La Sierra University, and a Conducting Master class with Dr. Dean Anderson in 2018, also at La Sierra University.
The University Women’s Chorus at the University of the Southern Caribbean is dedicated to harmonizing hearts and spirits through empowering music, guided by their faith. Celebrating the strength, diversity, and unity of women as reflections of God’s creation, their performances resonate with soul-stirring melodies that uplift both audiences and members alike, fostering connections rooted in the love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ.
Here are a few reflections from her singers on their experience working with Ms. Diahann White:
‘’My experience as a past member of the Women’s chorus has been one of sisterhood. The way we all came together, looking out for one another is something I appreciated in my short stay with the group. Our leader is an amazing motivator. She believed in us despite us thinking we couldn’t get our parts down. We had many holiday practices which definitely helped and contributed to our lives and voices.” – Leela Louis
‘Being a member of the UWC, is quite different to the other music ensembles. Besides it consisting of only women, it also is a safe space for growth and fellowship with each other. We’re always encouraged by our director to “Do the Things,” that we practice to help refine our sound as one voice. The knowledge and experiences that she shares with us, along with her noteworthy repertoire selections, ultimately helps to cultivate our musical gifts that are shared with audiences throughout our music ministry. It is a blessing to be a part of this group, and I look forward to the musical adventures that it embarks on in the future.” – Sasha Bocage
‘’My experience as a member of The University Women’s Chorus is simply Phenomenal. It feels like I belong to a musical family. Ms. Diahann White, the Director of the ensemble is an exceptional leader, who has a vision, and empowers and motivates us to go above and beyond our musical abilities on our journey towards reaching our true potential.” – Mona Charles
‘My experience as a member at the Women’s chorus, while it was short, was also a really happy one. This group is not just a group of separate members coming together to make art, but it’s more like a close family. I never missed a rehearsal because I always look forward to learning from Diahann and feeling her passion and commitment towards bringing the music pieces to life, just makes me all the more grateful to be a part of such an ensemble. While we may have some moments of pressure, I’m never worried because I always trust our Mama choir director to lead us to success.” – Kyla Etienne
Ms. Siobhan Lawrence, Director, University Chorus
Ms. Siobhan Lawrence serves as the Director of the University Chorus, bringing with her a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from the University of the Southern Caribbean, with an anticipated graduation in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Siobhan’s journey in music includes significant achievements, such as her tenure leading the HIS LUV choir from 2011 to 2014 and the University Chorale from 2023 to the present, where she continues to hone her choral leadership skills.
She has also distinguished herself as a soprano, performing with esteemed choirs both locally and internationally, including the London Adventist Chorale, Eastern Chorale, and the Liberty Chorale. Her repertoire spans sacred, gospel, jazz, and classical choral works.
Under Siobhan’s direction, the University Choir aspires to be a bastion of musical excellence. Her vision encompasses not only traditional choral performances but also exploration of diverse musical genres and collaborative projects. Siobhan aims to enhance the choir’s presence through national and virtual performances, integrating original compositions and arrangements by Seventh-day Adventist musicians from around the globe into their repertoire. She emphasizes building a strong community and fostering a sense of belonging among choir members.
Since assuming the role of University Choir Director, Siobhan has guided the choir to notable accomplishments. Under her leadership, they achieved second place in their category at the 2024 Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival. Additionally, they collaborated with local impresario John Thomas on USC mUSiC’s Christmas production of the opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” introducing a new musical genre to the campus community.
Here are a few testimonials from her singers about their experience working with Ms. Siobhan Lawrence:
“I have found her to be a very positive individual, who gets along very well with others. An excellent musician who is, and has been an integral part of the music program here at the USC. She was a member of the choir under the directorship of Mr. Paul Cort, and performed some of the solos in the rendition of the Messiah. For the last couple of years, she has ardently supported Mr. Keron Hislop, not only in the choir as a singer, but as a section leader; and even as a conductor of the choir on various occasions as well. She is an assertive individual, who expresses herself very well, is a team player, can be counted on to get a job done, and will go the extra mile to produce “good music.” – Dr. Cynthia Ward, Alto
“Siobhan has demonstrated her commitment to the chorale not only by her regular and punctual attendance to sessions but also by her efforts
to make us more “music score” literate. The attention she pays to details translates every rendition into a message clothed in performances of excellence. She still manages to keep everyone comfortable and relaxed, enhancing our desire to excel.” – Mr. Colville St. Hilaire, Tenor
“I’ve been a member of The UCO Chorale since 2019 under the leadership of Mr. Kerron Hislop. Ms. Siobhan Lawrence, the current Director of The UCO Chorale, has proven to be a capable, committed, dedicated, and consistent leader. She aims for perfection in all our performances. Her selection of musical pieces for the Chorale has been remarkable. I look forward to her leadership of the UCO Chorale in the new academic year.” – Mona Charles, Alto
Mr. Niall Edwards, Director, University Concert Band
Niall Edwards is a versatile professional with expertise spanning music and technology. He holds an Associate of Science (AS) in General Business, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computing, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music, completed in 2023. Additionally, Niall has earned a Graduate Diploma in Information Communication Technology, highlighting his ability to merge the structured world of computing with the creative realm of music.
During his music studies, Niall concurrently worked full-time as a Programmer at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) and served as Student Director for the university ensemble, demonstrating exceptional time management and dedication.
Niall’s musical journey began at age nine in marching bands, including performances at Annual Independence Day parades. He held leadership roles within these bands from a young age, eventually directing them for multiple terms, laying a strong foundation for his future achievements in music and leadership.
Since 2018, Niall has served as the esteemed conductor of the CUC Secondary School Concert Band, significantly shaping its direction and success. Under his leadership, the band has expanded in size and reputation, delivering notable performances at school events, hosting concerts, and participating in major annual concerts organized by the Department.
Niall’s vision for the University Concert Band aims to elevate it to the premier status on campus. He plans to curate a distinctive repertoire blending popular, historic, and local concert band music to enrich both musicians and audiences alike. He sees the band as USC’s cultural ambassador, embodying the university’s artistic spirit and community engagement, while nurturing students’ musical talents and cultural appreciation.
Under Niall’s direction, the University Concert Band has achieved significant milestones within just nine months, including successful concerts and performances at key university events. Looking ahead, Niall aims to expand the band’s membership, secure more performance opportunities, foster collaborations, initiate recording projects, and establish regional excellence in music education and performance.
Niall Edwards’ unique blend of music and technology expertise, coupled with his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, promises a bright future for the University Concert Band, setting new standards of excellence in music within the region.
Mr. Anton Charles, Director, University Orchestra
Anton Charles serves as the USC Orchestra director, overseeing rehearsals and often conducting the combined ensemble, known as UCO, when the choir joins them. A multifaceted musician, Anton excels in playing several instruments and has honed his skills as an arranger, aspiring to further develop his composition abilities. Under his guidance, the orchestra has performed exclusively orchestral works at Christmas and Spring Concerts, as well as during worship services throughout the academic year.
Mr. Gibson, a viola player in the orchestra, has observed Anton’s growth as a conductor this year. He believes that Anton possesses boundless potential with his innate talents, foreseeing remarkable achievements if Anton continues to dedicate himself to service through music.
The Music Department covets your continued support. We are in need of financial gifts to help us with the purchase of percussion instruments, supplies and repair and continued maintenance. Student scholarships are also a need that would serve us well.
With the anticipated arrival of new faculty to join the Music Department the role that these directors will play in directing next year is still in question. What is not in doubt, is that no matter their role we know that they will continue to play a vital part in the growth and development of the department and the reputation.
