The Manchioneal Cultural Group, which is headed by Richard Derby, performs at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Folk Forms competition at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive, St. Andrew earlier this year. - File RICHARD DERBY has been involved in the performing arts since he was in the fourth grade at the Manchioneal All-Age School in Portland many moons ago. Then he was playing the recorder and melodica and singing in the choir. Now, at 39, he is the leader of the Manchioneal Cultural Group, and a teacher and librarian at Manchioneal All-Age.
The group has been one of the top performers in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) folk forms competition for several years now. For the past six years they have been dubbed the most outstanding adult group in the competition, earning the Imogene 'Queenie' Kennedy trophy.
Derby began his time with the Manchioneal Cultural Group, then known as the Manchioneal Bruckins Group, in 1976, using his playing and singing skills, and began to lead the group in 1987.
LEADERSHIP
He took over leadership from his foster mother, Dorothy Patrick.
Derby points out that though his playing King in the Brukins Party was first suggested as a joke, he notes that learning Bruckins Party while living in Manchioneal is a given. "Once you're in that area (Manchioneal) you're around the dance, you get to learn the dance," he explains.
The Manchioneal Cultural Group is a combination of students from the Manchioneal All-Age and the Manchioneal Bruckins Group. The groups were combined after Derby began teaching at Manchioneal All-Age in 1992.
Long past its days of focusing solely on Bruckins Party, the group now performs Dinki Mini, Maypole, Ettu, Tambu and Quadrille. Derby notes that though he wishes to retain authenticity, he realises that to keep the younger members interested, the forms have to undergo some degree of change. This year, in the JCDC folk-forms competitions, such changes were evident, most clearly in their Dinki Mini entry. The dance combined the pole balancing which is found in Gerreh with Dinki Mini.
He argues that he feels safe making this mix because Gerreh and Dinki Mini are so similar and - depending on where you are in Jamaica - are used for the same purpose. Derby also argues that her tries to find the rhythmic links between reggae and the folk rhythms, to make the folk forms more appealing to the young.
Derby argues that finances and parents are the greatest obstacles the group faces. While he argues that while many parents are willing to help out, he says that often parents argue against the student's involvement.
Additionally, it appears that performing the folk arts is not a great way to make money. He argues that sometimes the group begins its season of performances without any money. Because of this, he has added sewing to his skills, since he sometimes has to help out with the creation of the group's costumes.
"Many times I want to give up, but when I hear the music, I want to go at it again," he explains. However, it does not seem that he is about to stop. Along with the music, what seems to drive Derby is his passion for the folk forms. He points out that his work as a librarian has allowed him to do a lot of research on the varying folk forms. He complements his forays into the library with talks to various practitioners of the forms.
Derby explains that he takes the time to do the research on the forms his group performs because it is important to gaining a complete understanding of them. "When you just see it and try to practice it, you will lose a lot," he argues.
RESEARCH
Currently, Derby is attempting to compile his research and knowledge of Bruckins Party into a 30-page document, which can be used by groups who want to study the form or practice it.
Working with the group, however, takes up much of his time. The group ordinarily practices once a week, which is then increased to two to three times as festival approaches. Additionally, during this period, there are several requests for the group to perform.
Derby explains that he tries to lessen its toll on his family. A father of six, Derby is also married. "There are times when I'm just not there (at home)," he explains.
He notes that because of this he makes sure that there are times he reserves solely for family.
However, he continues to remain true is his enjoyment of the folk forms. Explaining what keeps him going he says simply, "I've just enjoyed it."
