Adrian D’Aguilar and Giveton Gelin Inspire the Next Generation of LCIS Musicians

Two generations of Bahamian jazz talent came together at Lyford Cay International School (LCIS), bringing a shared passion for music, mentorship and creativity into the classroom.

Internationally acclaimed Bahamian trumpeter Giveton Gelin and accomplished jazz bassist and mentor Adrian D’Aguilar recently visited LCIS, giving students a unique opportunity to learn from two musicians whose journeys have been shaped by dedication, perseverance and a deep love of their craft.

John Kinghorn, LCIS Director of Arts, said welcoming Bahamian jazz talent Gelin and D’Aguilar into the classroom gave students a valuable opportunity to connect their learning with the experiences of professional musicians.

“Having professional musicians visit our music classrooms is always valuable, but this experience was particularly special. Giveton is a Bahamian musician making waves on the international jazz scene, and for our students to hear him perform live, ask questions and engage directly with his experiences was incredible. It allowed them to connect what they are learning in the classroom with the passion, commitment and skills required to pursue their own chosen paths. As our Grade 10 students explore jazz and learn to interpret music themselves, hearing Giveton discuss and demonstrate different pieces, while sharing tips and exercises, made the experience truly transformative,” he said.

For Gelin, whose musical journey began as a young boy in The Bahamas before taking him to some of the world’s most prestigious stages, the visit was an opportunity to share his experiences and encourage students to pursue their own musical passions.

For D’Aguilar, whose career has spanned decades and whose mentorship has helped nurture generations of young Bahamian musicians, the visit was another opportunity to show students what can be achieved when talent is supported by hard work, guidance and commitment.

Finding Your Passion

D’Aguilar encouraged students to practise consistently and, above all, to let their love of music guide their decisions.

“Whatever you want out of life, go for it and put in the work. Hard work is everything.”

Gelin also spoke about the dedication required to build a career in music, encouraging students to be fearless and embrace the process of learning and growing.

“Falling in love with the process makes everything feel purposeful. Be fearless and adopt all the qualities of the great players: dedication, perseverance and spending time with the craft,” he said.

His own journey is a powerful reminder that extraordinary careers can begin in unexpected places. From picking up the trumpet as a young boy in The Bahamas to studying at The Juilliard School and establishing himself as a professional musician in New York City, Gelin’s story demonstrates what can happen when passion is matched with perseverance.

Learning from the Greats, Finding Your Own Sound

One of the lessons that resonated particularly strongly with LCIS Grade 12 and IB Diploma Music student Shamari McKinney was Gelin’s advice about learning from the greats while developing an individual musical identity.

“Improvising chord changes really resonated with me. When I first started improvising, I didn’t really know how to approach it, and I found it quite difficult. Giveton’s tips made it much easier for me to understand what’s happening in the music,” he said.

For students, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to ask questions, hear first-hand stories from professional musicians and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to turn a passion into a career. But perhaps most importantly, Gelin and D’Aguilar showed students that the journey does not have to begin on a world stage. It can begin right here in The Bahamas, with a love of music, a willingness to learn and the determination to keep going.

Their visit left students with not only a greater appreciation for jazz, but also an inspiring message: learn from those who came before you, find your own voice and fall in love with the process.