The Acting Principal of the Balanta Academy of Music, Joseryl Beckley has vowed to move the Academy to a college status so that Diplomas and degrees would be awarded to students.
In an exclusive interview at the Balanta Academy of Music situated at 27 Liverpool Street in Freetown, Madam Joseryl Beckley said the Balanta Academy is the only institution in the country that provides learning opportunity in areas like performing art, digital engineering, studio engineering, drama, African music & dance.
She stated that uplifting of the institution cannot be done without the support of government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). She thanked the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports for its continued support. She however asked the government to increase subventions given to the institution.
“The Balanta Academy of Music is gradually expanding with more students enrolling and the institution is gaining international recognition even as it functions independently,’ she declared.
Madam Joseryl Beckley came to Balanta Academy of Music in 1996 as a student under the tutorship of the late Logie Wright. Following the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) coup of 25th May 1997, she left for the Gambia where she continued her studies in music at St. Mary’s University Extension
Program; and at the same time served as Choir Director at St Paul’s Anglican Fasora, until she left the Gambia for the United States of America. In the US, she studied Voice Performance (singing) at Cottey College, Nevada, Missouri State, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree.
She moved to the Indiana University of Music and obtained a master’s degree alongside a famous Italian Opera Singer, Virginia Zeani. Upon completion of her master’s degree, Joseryl Beckley came to Balanta Academy as music teacher. Since 2008/09 academic year, she has been acting as Principal of the Academy.
Following her appointment as acting principal, she has done remarkably well to improve the academic level of students. She staged a successful choral concert on Thursday December 26, 2009 at the St Georges Cathedral Church at George Street in Freetown. Â She has also trained both contestants for two celphone companies; Zain and Africell singing competitions.
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