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Barbarossa Woodwind Quintet entertains pupils of Ringway Estate Basic School
Pupils of the Ringway Estate Basic School, Osu, were on Thursday treated to some selected musical genres by the Barbarossa Woodwind Quintet, a United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR) Band with the aim of promoting cultural exchanges.
The live musical performance by the band was to also inspire the creativity of the students, enhance their appreciation to global cultures, and broaden their understanding of music as a universal language.
During the performance by the band through the use of musical instruments such as the flute, bassoon, and the French horn, some of the students displayed their dancing skills, receiving applause from their mates and officials from the United States Embassy in Ghana.
Also, each member of the band took turns to explain to the pupils the origins and meaning of the songs and the importance of the musical instruments they used for their musical performance.
Present at the musical performance were the headmistress and teachers of the school, the Municipal Director of Education of Korle-Klottey, Mr Phillip Aidoo, and other dignitaries.
Speaking to The Spectator in an interview, the leader of the band, Staff Sergeant Osvaldo Corea said the band took pleasure in sharing the universal language of music, especially to the young ones because music impacted positively in their education and their emotional well-being.
“The rest of the world owes a lot to the African continent with all the rhythms and different styles of music. When we came to Ghana, we had the opportunity to give a master class to the members of the national symphony orchestra and also share some musical experiences,” Staff Sgt. Corea pointed out.
He, also, advised individuals who had the passion for music not to give up on their dreams but remain consistent, persistent, and work hard to achieve those dreams.
Staff Sergeant Corea commended Ghanaians for the hospitality and welcoming nature, adding that such attitude had made their stay in the country a memorable one.
For her part, Cultural Affairs Attaché, US Embassy in Ghana, Laneice Brooker explained that the musical performance formed part of the band’s cultural exchange programmes on the sideline of the Africa Land Forces Summit being hosted in Ghana.
Mr Aidoo said the musical performance by the band was instrumental in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Ghana and the US and therefore thanked the US Embassy for its decision to bring the band to the country.
By Benjamin Arcton-Tettey
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
