FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- Hundreds of budding stage performers had an experience to tell their grandchildren about when they came face-to-face with a Grand Bahamian legend.

The aspiring young singers and musicians were treated to two-hour master classes led by international  entertainer Pam Woods whose high octane brand of jazz singing and piano playing has for years wowed audiences in Europe and Asia as well as closer to home in the Bahamas.

She led three well-attended sessions, one each at St Paul’s Methodist College, Bishop Michael Eldon High School and Sir Jack Hayward High.  Children from those schools were joined by others from Lewis Yard, Mary Star of the Sea, Walter Parker Primary, Tabernacle, Sunland Baptist, and LIS.

The kids, of all ages, were encouraged to show what they could do and then Pam, who was a full-time teacher on the island for 20 years in the 1980s and 1990s as well as a weekend professional performer and Sunday church organist, drew from her vast experience to constructively critique what she had heard.

A high point was when Sean Russell, an ex-pupil of Pam’s and a former multiple winner of the best singer award at the annual Bahamian National Arts Festival, stood and sang for the kids.  It was an impromptu performance – he had only shown up to watch Pam at work again.

It was all a rare, inspirational experience for the youngsters and very much in line with the objectives of the 11-month-old Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society, which had arranged both Pam’s concert and the master classes as part of its ongoing programme.

The punishing teaching and mentoring schedule was followed by a three-hour show, starring her and musical friends and family, on stage at the Regency Theatre on Friday night.

The GBPAS is a non-profit organisation which ploughs all its proceeds into encouraging performing artists on the island.

The doyen of local stage productions Gloria McGlone said: “Pam Woods is an excellent role model, something for Bahamian youth to aspire to.  We are really indebted to her that she gave so much of her time and energy for the good of others and in the name of music which she loves”

The society’s next presentation is one to really look forward to – a weekend of chamber music with concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday January 15 to January 17.  They will feature three world class musicians forming the Trio Collage as well as physician Dr Marcus Bethel who will be acting as narrator at a special event for youngsters.

Photo 1: WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS: Pam Woods on the piano and her fellow performers, along with Gloria McGlone (with flowers), sign off at the end of their marathon concert.

Photo 2: STRUTTING THEIR STUFF: Young musicians show Pam Woods what they can do.