The Bermuda Institute of Seventh-day Adventists is in the final stages of preparing for its annual Christmas concert, which this year has a theme of “The Greatest Gift”.

The concert will take place on December 16, 2024, at 6:30pm in the Bermuda Institute Auditorium. Bermuda Institute invites the community to come out to support its students and experience a dynamic display of musical talent from students of all ages.

Planning for this event started in September, and the students have been learning and practising their performances since October. I spoke with Dwayne Foster, head of the Humanities and Arts Department, music teacher, band and steel pan director, and Kimberlee Tankard, director of institutional advancement, about the event.

Preparations have included weekly rehearsals during music class, along with supplemental morning, after-school and weekend rehearsals, Mr Foster said.

Mrs Tankard added: “Much of the behind-the-scenes work that most people do not see is the marketing, ticket sales, recruiting volunteers for ushering, hosting, and parking attendants, food sales, set-up and breakdown teams, and much more. We are grateful to our faculty and staff, students, parents, alumni, volunteers and community members who play any role in supporting us with the concert.”

Mr Foster said: “To the students, it is a much anticipated opportunity to showcase their talents, as well as an exciting undertaking of their final exam. To teachers, it is another opportunity to share with the community the God-given gifts and talents our students are blessed with.

“It is a momentous occasion for parents to witness the culmination of hard work that their children have poured into the production.”

Mrs Tankard said the students had been working hard in recent weeks. “Our middle and high school choir recently had the opportunity to perform a snippet of their set at the Great Christmas Carol-Off, so they are eager to share their full set.

“Our middle and high school band engaged in a full-day workshop with the Bermuda Regiment Band, so they are excited to share what they learnt. The steel band members are over the moon to play on their new drums, and of course, our elementary students are always full of energy and enthusiasm, ready to take the stage.”

Adding to the excitement is the debut of instruments significant to their performance and the legacy of Bermuda Institute and Bermuda’s island culture.

Mrs Tankard said: “We are excited to debut our brand spanking new steel pans in our performance this year. We have been eagerly waiting for the pans to arrive, and they are here just in time for our Christmas concert.

“We are grateful to our community, church members, alums, and many donors who have generously given over the past few years so that we could replace our more than 30-year-old, well-used steel pans. Our Steel Pan Band is now in a position to perform at various events around the island, showcasing our students’ talents and matching our country’s love of this instrument.”

Being a Christian institution, intention goes into how they represent the holidays in alignment with their faith. Asked how they depicted Christmas in the production, Mr Foster said: “The vast majority of songs in our repertoire is religious music that reflects our culture and core spiritual values, leaving some room, however, for seasonal and festive music that inspires and uplifts.”

Mrs Tankard added: “Our theme this year is The Greatest Gift. We want to remind our audience that during this busy season when much of the focus is on buying and receiving physical gifts, the greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ, who came as a baby, died for our sins, and gives the free gift of salvation.”

Bermuda Institute’s Christmas concert is a sponsored event. Mr Foster explained: “Aside from purchasing a ticket and attending, which goes a long way in supporting our students and our various programmes, you can bolster your support further by becoming a premier sponsor and receive special benefits (see flyer for details or you can e-mail hello@bermudainstitute.bm). The proceeds from the concert are used to fund various school programmes and initiatives keeping us competitive in an ever-changing technological age.”

Mrs Tankard continued: “Bermuda Institute, a Seventh-day Adventist school with a strong legacy of serving the Black community, welcomes all who seek a warm, family-oriented educational experience.

“Your donation will help to create a lasting impact, providing students with a high-quality, well-rounded education and supporting teachers in their professional growth. Donations ensure the school continues to thrive, evolving to meet the needs of future generations. By giving, you're investing in the future of our students and helping to enhance education for all.”

Mrs Tankard added: “We are well-known for our music programme, with our choirs and steel band having won awards and the opportunity to showcase their talents across the island.

“As the songwriter says, ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year!’ December has festive events, bright lights, and Christmas cheer that lifts your spirits. Coming to our Christmas Concert will add to the season's excitement and leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, joyful, blessed, and thankful for the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ.”

Mr Foster added: “God has placed a special blessing on his school, and the greatest gift is Jesus, who is the reason for the season.”