The University of the Virgin Islands Music Program received a $30,000 donation from Intellectual Global Concepts USVI LLC during a formal check presentation in the Music Building, on the St. Thomas Campus, on Thursday Nov. 14.
In May 2019, Intellectual Global Concept USVI LLC hosted a “Music is Life” benefit concert in St. John. The collaborative effort was done in conjunction with Viya, the Virgins Islands Department of Tourism, Coral Bay Caribbean Oasis, Marjorie Rawls Robert P.C., the Research and Technology Park (RT Park) and the University of the Virgin Islands. The proceeds of this event were intended to support the University’s recovery from the 2017 back-to-back Hurricanes Irma and Maria that damaged both of the University’s campuses and the RT Park. Of the $141,000 cash and in-kind-donations raised, the excess proceeds of the event after all expenses were paid in the amount of $30,000 is being donated to the Music Program at the University of the Virgin Islands to help support the development of future musical leaders in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“MUSIC IS LIFE USVI” is a festival brand that we want to continue to develop here in the U.S. Virgin Islands to continue our efforts in helping to support musical development across all ages and demographics,” said Paul and Cindy Talbert, co-founders of Intellectual Global Concept USVI LLC. “Further, we hope to inspire new innovative concepts through the use of technology and human interaction.”
The donation will allow thriving music programs to continue to grow, according to Dion Parson, chair of the Communication, Art, Theatre and Music Program.
“The Music Program is very thankful to be the recipient of this kind donation. One of our goals is to build our program and have active performing ensembles,” said Parson. “Therefore, we will use this donation to help build our Steel Pan Ensemble and our Concert Band by recruiting students (non-Music majors) to join these ensembles,” he said. Students who join the ensembles will be able to receive a scholarship to assist with purchasing books from the UVI Bookstore. “There are many students that play music but do not join our performing ensembles, mainly due to financial constraints,” Parson added. “This can be a way to assist students with their financial obligation and build our music program in the process.”
Dr. Kimarie Engerman, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) noted that the University is extremely thankful for the donation. “The Music Program is an integral part of CLASS,” Engerman said. “Our Music Program is important in that it allows students to learn the art of music, develop transferrable skills, and promote social connections through the various ensembles.”
Intellectual Global Concept USVI LLC announced that the company is in the process of planning its next festival to be held on St Thomas in 2020.
Intellectual Global Concept USVI LLC, which is a RT Park client, is a technology, media and entertainment company with a focus on utilizing technology for the production of musical content and performance.
The RT Park is a specialized economic development program that is designed to bring investment to the U.S. Virgin Islands by managing an incentive program and offering other advisory and technical services. It is a partnership between the private sector, the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the University of the Virgin Islands.