NAME

Jaret Jean Jacques
FROM

Wallhouse, Loubiere
AGE

12
ALUMNI

Pioneer Preparatory School
St. Mary’s Academy
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY

•   Became the youngest Dominican to pass the CXC exams
Bet you didn’t know
• Jaret is the youngest member of the Dominica Music Lovers Band

• Jaret got all A’s in his Grade I CXC exams
At what age did you begin playing?
[My] older sisters, who also played, began to teach me the recorder [at age 4]. Then at 5 one of [my] sisters began the piano and… decided to teach me as well. So, by 5 I was playing the recorder and the piano. br>
What musical instrument followed for you?
The trumpet. My father contacted Jendal Lawrence—a good family friend, a musical wonder [who] played in the… Music Lovers’ Band and Swinging Stars. He became my instructor.
How many do you play now?
[O]ver the next few years I added seven more instruments but I only play nine now—I no longer play recorder. So that makes trumpet, trombone, euphonium, piano, French horn, clarinet, sax, guitar and flute.
How did you decide which ones to play?
They “just came along”. Didn’t give much thought to it.
How challenging it is to play so many instruments?
All the instruments are related, so familiarity with one helps with the others. When I practice one from a group, I am more or less practicing the entire group, unless it’s a specific song that I have to play.
Who were or are your tutors for the other instruments?
I did guitar two summers ago with Julie Martin, and presently piano with Leanne Christian at Christian Musical School. In the others, I am self-taught with the… coaching of my father. Though he wasn’t taught music officially he is very involved in my musical career. Presently I am at Grade 8 of the Royal School of Music syllabus in trumpet, trombone and euphonium, and Grade 7 for piano and sax. I will be doing my Grade 8 exams of the sax and piano in April 2017 and sat CXC Music this year.
What is the significance of this level of music?
Grade 8 level is equal to one year of college. I would be exempt a full year of school [because] points are accumulated at lower level exams and go towards exemption at college.
How do you manage not having an “official” musical tutor?
I have made honours in all my exams with my “unofficial” coach, my dad. He has been present from the beginning, doing the research on the instruments, techniques for playing and aides I need to play each one well. My father and I go through the school’s syllabus. He does the research of pieces that would meet the requirement and we make selection together. Then he orders the books and we seat through all the hours of practice together until exam day.
Will you add any other instrument to your portfolio?
Not sure yet. It will just happen if I feel like it.
Who are your mentors, role models?
First, my dad. I look up to him and respect him very much. I hope I follow in his footsteps and do the same thing for my children. Then Mr. [Purcell] Christian of Christian Musical School. He had a big influence on my playing. I also admired Pius Jno. Baptiste who also plays quite a number of instruments.
How do you imitate [your dad] now?
I have to give back to my family seeing [that] they have been so supportive. I teach my younger siblings, the same way my older sisters taught me. I teach my sister clarinet and my brother trumpet, and I teach both piano.
So the whole family plays multiple instruments?
More or less. We love music. My younger siblings and I also play in the Scouts Band.
How do you manage music lessons and all these activities?
I am pretty much on a tight schedule. Time management is extremely important. I make my own schedule with the approval of my parents who help me to stay focused and on track. I practice between 2–3 hours of music a day.
What else are you involved in?
I play at Church; other churches invite me on their special occasions, including funerals and weddings. I do concerts too. [P]laying at the Sisserou Singers show as well as the merged SMA and Convent Concert. This builds up my fan base as I want to continue teaching music in Dominica and globally.
What do you do for fun?
I play video games; love action shooting game.
Would you say that your life is rigid or driven by your parents?
I am a “normal” child. I love what I do. I love my music. I love school and to be a success so I study hard. I enjoy teaching my siblings. It can be difficult at times but my parents are very supportive and having a good relationship with them helps.
What will you share with your peers as part of your experience?
Don’t feel afraid to try anything new. Just start off slowly. You never know how far you can reach.
And to parents who may be reading this?
Love your children enough to seat with them through their work, not just instruct them to go off to do it. It makes a big difference. You really have to encourage your child[ren]. Make every effort to be there and understand them.