This Valentine’s season, the students of D.W. Davis Junior High School are receiving a generous gift that will resonate for years to come. Astra Charlton, a Bahamian businesswoman and mother of two, has donated musical instruments to support the school’s band program. The gift marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership to provide quarterly contributions of musical supplies and instruments to the school.
Mrs. Charlton first became aware of the school’s band through Thurman L. Johnson II, Head of the Music Department and Band Director at D.W. Davis, while he was providing private lessons to her eldest son. She was immediately inspired by Johnson’s passion for nurturing young musicians, particularly those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play an instrument.
With approximately 20 to 25 students currently in the band program, this contribution aims to ensure that every interested student has access to an instrument, regardless of their circumstances.
“The arts, particularly music programs, face numerous challenges. Despite their tremendous benefits to students, these programs are often overshadowed by more academic pursuits. The high costs associated with pursuing music can also make it unattainable for many families,” Mrs. Charlton said. “This effort is primarily focused on underserved students. The goal is to ensure that every interested student ultimately gains access to an instrument.”
Mr. Johnson expressed his gratitude for the donation and its potential impact. “When we see a student with talent, we cannot let it go to waste,” he said. “There are more music scholarships available than athletic scholarships, and students would be surprised at where music can take them. Music is more than just a fallback option. It’s a discipline that develops both the left and right sides of the brain. It teaches structure, fosters creativity, and provides a cathartic outlet for emotions. Playing an instrument can turn pain into beauty.”
The music teacher’s own journey began in Bain and Grants Town, where he grew up as the eldest of three children. Inspired by a youth band started at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, he began playing the trumpet at 12 years old. What started as hours of practice on his grandmother’s porch—much to his neighbors’ initial annoyance—soon evolved into encouraging nods as his skills developed. Johnson’s own school band teacher, Mr. Philip Lockhart of S.C. McPherson, became his mentor. His dedication to music took him through C.V. Bethel Senior High and ultimately to the University of The Bahamas, where he studied music education. Now, as a mentor himself, Mr. Johnson is committed to helping his students realize the opportunities that music can bring, from scholarships to international travel opportunities.
Under his leadership, students at D.W. Davis learn to read music and play various instruments, developing skills that transcend the classroom. “A lot of the violence we see today comes from people not having a way to express themselves,” he added. “Music provides that outlet, allowing students to explore and channel their talents into something meaningful.”
Mrs. Charlton’s support doesn’t stop with this donation. She is in the early stages of developing an annual scholarship for one exceptional student in the music program, providing opportunities for further growth at The Bahamas Music Academy. She added: “This is about making quality music education available to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity and I encourage other private and corporate donors to support the transformative power of the arts.”
As the first instruments from Mrs. Charlton’s initiative are placed in the hands of young musicians at D.W. Davis, the sound of their potential begins to take shape. This Valentine’s Day, the message is clear: through the love of music, lives can be transformed.
Source: Shonalee Johnson
