Students and staff from Kingston’s historic Alpha School of Music are set to travel to Hampton, Virginia, this September for the Supernova International Ska Festival. Caribbean National Weekly reported that this marks the institution’s fifth consecutive year participating in the major U.S. event dedicated exclusively to ska music.
The festival serves as a vital extension of the school’s music education program, offering learners opportunities to engage with the international ska community and explore industry operations beyond the classroom. Gay Magnus, the school’s director of music, described the experience as practically part of the curriculum, emphasizing its importance in connecting students with the concepts they study. The trip allows young musicians to gain firsthand exposure to event production, promotion, and logistics while networking with professionals.
Festival director Tim Receveur noted that the partnership enables audiences to meet the next generation of Jamaican musicians while providing students with unique connections. The relationship has also facilitated donations of equipment and scholarships through the Supernova Alliance nonprofit. As the school continues its legacy of training professional musicians following the 2014 closure of the original Alpha Boys School, this international engagement underscores its commitment to career preparation and preserving Jamaica’s musical heritage.
For more information, visit caribbeannationalweekly.com.