Herbert Morrison plans pro recording studio

Nicola Watson-Morris, head of the Art and Music Department at Herbert Morrison Technical High School, has revealed bold plans to launch a professional-grade music studio at the St James-based institution.

This announcement follows the recent donation of top-tier studio equipment valued at US$10,000 from internationally renowned disc jockey Tayari McIntosh, better known as 'DJ Trauma'.

Watson-Morris confirmed that the equipment will be a central part of the studio's development.

"We are planning to use the equipment to set up our own studio here, and I am looking at a very big picture where, when we have international artistes and even our local artistes coming in to Sumfest, we can have a space where they can use our studio for rehearsals," she said.

The school, known for its strong music programme featuring a band and choir, has been a nurturing ground for several accomplished musicians and performers since opening its doors in 1978. Students have taken the stage at major events, including the internationally acclaimed Reggae Sumfest.

"We are invited to a lot of programmes and prestigious events such as awards ceremonies, and here we have our own production setup, where we use our musical equipment to showcase the talents of the students," Watson-Morris added.

Meanwhile, the donation by DJ Trauma was made on June 5 through McIntosh's philanthropic effort, the Trauma Unit Retreat, launched in 2020. Widely recognised for touring with icons like comedian Dave Chappelle and rapper Jay-Z, DJ Trauma said he was inspired to contribute after witnessing the students' passion and talent.

"I am a DJ, and I have lived my whole life in the arts. That is how I pay the bills, and that is how I created a life for myself. I wanted to inspire some kids to be able to do the same thing, and I want them to be able to take their ideas and record them and create great art," he said.

He encouraged the students to dream big and told them that it is possible that the people around them will be the ones who help them in their future careers.