Herbert Morrison Technical High School Band is receiving rave reviews from noted international artistes after their performance at a recent ceremony for the handover of studio equipment to the institution.

“I thought the students were fantastic and highly talented and they rehearsed well,” said nine-time Grammy Award winner, producer, and songwriter Brian-Michael Cox.

“They are so multifaceted, playing different instruments, switching them out, the harmonies were tight. It was extremely professional in sound, they sounded incredible to me,” he expressed.

Cox was part of a team that travelled to Jamaica with internationally acclaimed disc jockey Tayari “DJ Trauma” McIntosh for the handover of items, valued at US$10,000, which included Studio One Pro 7 software, BPM create licences, a pair of professional studio monitors, one Quantum ES 4 USB-C Audio Interface, one large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone, and two iMac desktop computers.

They were donated by McIntosh as part of his Trauma Unit Retreat initiative, which he founded in 2020.

In an interview with JIS News, Cox, who contributed an iMac computer as part of the initiative, expressed his profound admiration for the band.

“[With the donations] we hope it will open up a new portal of creativity for them. It’s one thing to be in one space working together and another space where you can really put those ideas down and really develop whatever you do,” Cox said.

“I heard [band leader Hannah Lyons] won a songwriting contest. She is winning already, and just imagine what is going to happen when she gets the studio thing going. I think that that’s the main thing — just opening up a different level of being able to create,” he pointed out.

Cox, who has crafted Grammy-winning albums and singles for artistes such as Usher, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, and Beyoncé, said he was impressed with the versatility of the students, which, he noted, is indicative of promising careers in production.

“Everybody is so multifaceted; everybody plays an instrument. I saw them swapping out on the sound board. All those things are basic producer things. The fact that each person could do multiple things, I think that they are well advanced and ready to be in that space to get in line and produce records,” Cox explained.

Singer Estelle, who is known for songs such as American Boy, was equally captivated by the students’ musical talent.

“I came to support my brother Trauma and offer words of encouragement, and I am leaving inspired. This is incredible and it proves and just reminds us that great art is everywhere, great light is everywhere and God will use us. I am honoured to be here,” she told JIS News.

“I think the kids have got it. Shout out to the parents who raise them and the teachers who are teaching them the culture and the legacy of music,” the singer added.

In her remarks to the students she reminded them that they are “here to be great” and to always remember to have fun when performing and make prayer an integral part of their lives.

She also commended DJ Trauma for his donation to the school. “This speaks to your heart as a human,” she said. DJ Trauma, who is known for touring with renowned comedian Dave Chappelle, Jay Z among other notable acts, said that his goal was to inspire the students to be able to use the arts to create and further their careers.

“I want them to be able to take their ideas and create great art. It’s not necessarily what the finish line is; it’s the journey; it’s creating great music,” he noted. Hannah Lyons, who expressed gratitude for the equipment on behalf of her bandmates, said she was “overjoyed and very thankful for all the persons who came together to make this possible”.

She said that the donation of the equipment will enable the students to further their talents.

— JIS