To Whom it may Concern
Ruth-Ann Lewis has been known to me from her childhood. Before leaving St. Vincent to study abroad, she was tutored by me in music for about three years in preparation for the practical and theoretical examinations up to grade 5 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, London, and achieved creditable successes. She also won awards at the local music festival for her piano playing. During those years, I observed a number of promising aspects of Miss Lewis' character and natural musical gifts. She was always very enthusiastic about her work, had a very keen musical ear, and an inquisitive mind, was ambitious, proactive and adventurous; and she displayed a healthy passion for musical advancement beyond her years. It was therefore no surprise to me that she chose to pursue a career in music. From time to time I have enquired about her progress in her studies abroad and received favourable reports. She completed successfully the final practical and theoretical ABRSM grade 8 examinations in the USA and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Performance at the prestigious Bob Jones University. She also did advanced studies at the New England Conservatory of Music. In July of this year 2012, I had the pleasure of gaining evidence of Miss Lewis' remarkable achievements by way of her impressive presentation on You-Tube, and more recently on her return home, I was quite moved by her expression during our conversation of her burning desire to share her considerable knowledge and experience for the benefit of the advancement of music and musicians in St. Vincent. She has not only excelled in performance but has gained valuable experience in composing, arranging, and choral direction and has formulated a clear vision for the future musical development in SVG, a vision fueled by her own Christian values. Her return at this juncture is also very timely, as there is now so much musical talent emerging in SVG and so many persons are eager to be part of a forward thrust in music. I am of the opinion therefore that Miss Lewis' contribution at this time can be a catalyst to ignite the latent possibilities unto a powerful musical force which can take SVG to new heights, putting this country once again at the forefront of the region's efforts to maintain and enhance our unique gifts in the fields of musical literacy, creativity, performance, and appreciation. |