Bahamas National Youth Orchestra
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Errol “Duke” Strachan, a celebrated Bahamian musician, has released his memoir, This is My Life: A Bahamian Rhapsody, which chronicles his extraordinary journey through music, family, and life in The Bahamas from the 1930s onward. Born in Acklins and raised across Nassau and other islands, Duke is a self-taught musician who overcame the loss of three fingertips in a childhood accident. While working as a taxicab driver in New Providence, his singing caught the attention of someone who introduced him to opportunities in the U.S
Duke founded several bands, including the renowned Duke and The Lords, and established the Young Souls Orchestra and The National Youth Orchestra of The Bahamas, teaching others to read and play music. Known for hosting notable figures like Sidney Poitier and Nat King Cole, Duke and his wife Dorothea have left a lasting cultural impact. A devoted husband, father, and avid gardener, Duke resides in New Providence.
This is My Life: A Bahamian Rhapsody is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Logos Bookstore in Nassau.
Errol Duke Strachan
Director
Aaron was given first opportunities for musical ministry as Sunday school and youth choir accompanist. Rev. Hartman Brown, then the church’s youth director, appointed him as children’s choir director in 1986.
Mr. Neely has worked as a music teacher at Gray’s Music Center in 1985, and at Mr. Paul Saunders’ “Music World” in 1987. Mr. Neely was first brought to the formal music classroom in 1990 at Temple Christian School as the Music Assistant.
At Lee University, Aaron grew in musical exposure in the Lee Symphonic Band, the Evangelistic Singers which was the school’s black gospel choir, and the Choral Union. As a piano student of Dr. Phil Thomas, Aaron Neely was selected to perform the college’s Honor Recital in 1996 and 1997. While in Cleveland, Tennessee, he was embraced by Pastor Sam Taylor and the members of the Maple Street Baptist Church as pianist. This tenure lead to spiritual and cultural exchanges between Transfiguration Baptist, and Maple Street Baptist in December 1997 and Easter of 1998.
Aaron Neely has served as principal musician at the Golden Gates World Outreach Ministry 2000-2006 under the leadership of Bishop Roston Davis. He currently serves as an organist at Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Timothy Stewart.
Mr. Neely continues in the same intensity of instructional energy and the Doris Johnson Senior High School since 2002.
Aaron Neely is an accompanist for Seraphic Sounds’ Allison M. Rolle; he ministers as musician at the Peardale Seventh Day Adventist Church; he is also a member of “Duke Errol Strachan’s Bahamas National Youth Orchestra, and Stage Band; a member of Chris Fox’s “Mighty Makers- Super Stars” stage band; the current pianist for the Bahamas National Children’s Choir
Aaron Neely
Assistant Director
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Anthony Ritchie
Assistant Director
As a founding member of the orchestra, I have seen the group go through many transformations in growth and development. The orchestra is rebuilt every year as older members leave and go off to college and new members come in and have to be trained. This is a testament to Duke's commitment to the continuation of this organization.
What I like most about the orchestra is the positive outlet that it provides for members. It gives me pleasure knowing the amount of professional people that have passed through the orchestra and nothing can be better than being at a venue and hearing beautiful music being played and knowing everyone in the band because they trained in the orchestra.
I would like to thank Duke for introducing me to music on this level and the training that he has provided to me. It has allowed me to perform with the orchestra and other groups as well, notably The Denis Donaldson Orchestra and Henry Moss Orchestra
With over 400 performances under its belt The Bahamas National Youth Orchestra continues to go strong. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Errol Duke Strachan, and all the members and parents of the orchestra on its Christmas Concert,
