Preparing the Next Generation of Bahamian Musicians

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What began with auditions at the University of The Bahamas has grown into weeks of boot camps, live performances, and mentorship.

High school students from grades 9-12 have been turning their passion into performance through the Summer Sounds program, led by the Tourism Development Corporation (TDC).

The program is giving 15 students the chance to sharpen their skills while preparing for careers in the orange economy.

The TDC says it’s more than just music, it’s about confidence, professionalism, and showing that Bahamian culture thrives in the next generation.

Meanwhile, as they take the stage at Pompey Square, Project Manager & Operations Specialist, Ashton Cleare tells us how this program is opening doors for young musicians.

Ashton Cleare – Project Manager and Operations Specialist, TDC

“It adds to our downtown revitalization project, as you would see, the students are here between Rawson Square and Pompey Square being that first point to contact the guests when they come off of the ship to kind of show them that, you know, culture still lives here in The Bahamas, and it lives as young as children that are about 12 and 13 years old.”

Cleare says the program is focused on young people and creatives, showing them that there’s room for both culture and entrepreneurship within the tourism industry.

Ashton Cleare – Project Manager and Operations Specialist, TDC

“The Tourism Development Corporation, we have placed a major focus on young people and creatives. And so you’ll see rolling out from us a number of our youth programs and a number of our youth initiatives to kind of engage young people where they are…”

Meanwhile, as Cleare credits the program’s partners and instructors for helping to make it possible, he says the students themselves are the true success of the program.