Fungi Music Workshop Emphasises Cultural Preservation
Junior Minister Luce D. Hodge-Smith on June 17 urged intentional efforts to safeguard BVI culture at an Introduction to Fungi Music workshop held in Cutlass Tower. The one-day event, hosted by the Department of Culture and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Virgin Islands Studies Institute, brought together 24 cultural practitioners and community members.
The Junior Minister for Culture, Honourable Luce D. Hodge-Smith, told participants at an Introduction to Fungi Music workshop on June 17 that cultural preservation requires deliberate action. The session, held in the BVI Finance Conference Room at Cutlass Tower, was organised by the Department of Culture in collaboration with the H.
Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Virgin Islands Studies Institute, according to a Government Information Service press release. Twenty-four cultural practitioners and community members attended. “Our culture is the heartbeat of our identity. It tells the story of who we are, where we come from, and the values we share as a people,” Hodge-Smith said, noting the central role music plays in keeping heritage alive.
She described fungi music as “one of The Virgin Islands' most treasured cultural expressions,” praising its distinctive rhythms, storytelling and traditional instruments for connecting generations. “Cultural preservation does not happen by chance,” the Junior Minister added. “It happens when we intentionally create opportunities for learning, participation, and appreciation.
Workshops such as this one ensure that our traditions continue to thrive and evolve.” Her remarks underscored a government emphasis on active programmes to pass cultural knowledge to younger residents and wider community participants. The workshop was facilitated by Mrs Bernadine A.
Walters Louis of the Virgin Islands Studies Institute and educator-musician Kayron Todman. Rochelle Smith, Director of the Institute, said she looked forward to the interactive elements of the day, where attendees explored both roots and recent developments in fungi music. “Culture isn’t just something that you study, it is something that we live every day and something that we pass on,” Smith said.
Topics covered during the one-day session included: The origin of fungi music and its history in the Virgin Islands Overview of band types — fungi bands, quelbe bands and string bands — and their distinctions Fundamentals of fungi music Instruments traditionally used in fungi bands For BVI residents, fungi music remains an important part of community celebrations, church socials and school events, carrying stories and practices passed down through families and local ensembles.
By engaging young people and current practitioners, organisers say the workshop aimed to strengthen practical skills and encourage continued performance, teaching and documentation of these traditions. Organisers framed the workshop as part of ongoing cultural work to ensure BVI musical heritage remains vibrant and relevant.
Participants left with greater knowledge of band types and instruments, and with practical guidance to share with pupils, families and community groups.
Primary source: VINO