Music Institutions and Festivals in Virgin Island

The two most popular music institutions in the Virgin Island include the following such as Island center (on St. Croix) and the Reichold Center (on St. Thomas). Both of these centers create a venue for shows of western classical music, musical theatre, jazz and international pop artists. St. Croix is also a place for a public act venue in St. Gerald’s hall in Frederiksted, where indigenous dance quadrilles and otherwise perform.

The folk Virgin Islander traditional music festivals were done until the late 50s, and were based around costumed masquerading. With the arrival of formal festivities based around marches and festival villages, indigenous traditional customs weakened, substituted by pan-Caribbean rudiments like calypso moko jumbie stilt dancers and visiting acts from other islands.

There are Virgin Islander institute that assist and popularize the islands’ traditional custom. Bradley Christian’s St. Croix Heritage Dancers, for instance, are legend group, one of the several quadrille bands that offer a compact, staged rendition of traditional customs, along with education narration.

The music education in the Virgin Islands is mainly based within the western classical custom, especially instrumental and show ensemble music. Indigenous traditional music is also part of the music program; quadrilles are taught in schools in St. Croix, and Charlotte Amalie High Scholl on St. Thomas is a place to popular student scratch ensemble.