Governor opens Sunrise recording studio
Governor Roper and Earl LaPierre officially open the Sunrise recording studio 
Governor Roper broadcasts a message in the Sunrise Centre’s new multi-media studio 
The arts and crafts classroom (L-R) SRC staff Twila Rodgers and Tammy Hyatt; SRC clients Gabriella Woods, Justin Wright and Faith Brandt; caregiver Sonia Allen, Governor Roper and Director Kimberly Voaden 
SRC client Marcus Scott tells the governor and Director Kimberly Voaden about the eggs he had just collected from the Grow Group’s hens at the centre’s chicken coop 
The governor plays steelpan with Earl LaPierre and Glen Inanga accompanying 
Sunrise Centre clients and staff with Governor Martyn Roper
(CNS Local Life): Governor Martyn Roper officially opened a state-of-the-art multi-media production studio at the Sunrise Adult Training Centre (SRC) in West Bay during a recent tour of the facility. The studio, which was fully funded by the Aall Foundation, one of SRC’s longest-standing supporters, will not only benefit the clients at Sunrise but may also become a source of revenue for the centre, according to Sunrise Director Kimberly Voaden.
She said, “The recording studio and instruments will be used by clients interested in learning to play and sing or record spoken tracks/vlog posts. It will also offer training opportunities for clients showing an interest and aptitude in editing and producing tracks. With SRC becoming increasingly known for its annual concerts, the production studio allows for the expanded inclusion of a greater variety of clients and guest performers in future stage and film productions. It is also likely that the studio will become a revenue source for the centre.”
Voaden said, “Music gives voice to feelings, allows for the development of creativity, self-confidence, and self-expression, and even fosters communication in clients who are minimally or non-verbal. The studio functions as a quiet space, assists with transitions from one learning area/classroom to another, and will be used as a music therapy room. Our clients are very happy to have this amazing resource for their use.”
The governor’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the studio followed its first-ever broadcast, in which he thanked staff for their hard work and dedication.
“Having interacted with the clients and staff and toured the grounds and the facility, I am very encouraged by the energy and vision behind SRC,” he said. “The centre’s senior management is clearly keen to further evolve and enhance its services to serve the needs of clients. I join it in commending the Aall Foundation for its generous donation and urge other private sector businesses to partner with public sector entities, like SRC, to improve services and inclusion for our most vulnerable citizens.”
The Governor visited all programme areas, accompanied by the director and Programme Manager Daniel John. As well as reviewing the centre’s functional academics, life skills and arts and crafts courses, he looked in on SRC’s Grow Group horticultural and poultry workshops, snack and lunch prep groups, occupational therapy and vocational training spaces.
Roper also gave a surprise performance when he and steel pan pioneer, Earl LaPierre, performed “Yellow Bird” and “Chariots of Fire” in the studio and later in the centre’s day-room. The teacher and his most high profile student were accompanied by classical pianist and Cayman Arts Festival founder Glen Inanga on keyboard. The set, played for the centre’s clients, caregivers and staff, was the governor’s third public pan performance, the first being during the Queen’s Birthday celebrations in June.
Commenting on the visit, Voaden said, “The governor’s visit was a fantastic way to launch our 2019-2020 Training Year. His interest in our training programmes and heartfelt engagement with our clients and staff were wonderful to experience. We were honoured and delighted to have him share his musical talents on the steel pan, along with those of our special guests and look forward to his continued support of our work with our clients.”
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Category: Arts, Education, Local News, Music
