Professor Kofi Agawu of Princeton University, USA has been awarded the Frank Llewellyn Harrison Medal for 2009 by the Society for Musicology in Ireland. The award was presented to Professor Agawu at the joint plenary conference of the Society for Musicology in Ireland and the Royal Musical Association in the Freemasons’ Hall, Dublin on 10 July 2009. Professor Jan Smaczny, President of the Society, welcomed Agawu to Dublin, noting “the reach and excellence of his scholarship.”
Named in honour of one of Ireland’s most distinguished musicologists, the Harrison Medal “recognizes musical scholarship of international distinction; it honours the highest musicological endeavour and salutes the leadership the candidate has exerted on the international musicological community.” This is only the third time that the award has been made. Previous recipients are Professor Christoph Wolff of Harvard University and Professor Margaret Bent of All Souls College, Oxford University. In his address to accompany the award, Professor Smaczny cited Agawu’s “remarkably pioneering” books, including Playing with Signs: A Semiotic Interpretation of Classic Music (1991), African Rhythm: A Northern Ewe Perspective (1995), Representing African Music: Postcolonial Notes, Queries, Positions (2003) and Music as Discourse: Semiotic Adventures in Romantic Music (2008).
He singled out Playing with Signs, which received the Young Scholar Award from the Society for Music Theory in 1994, as “one of the books from the last twenty years that can genuinely be said to have changed the way the profession views the canon.” Smaczny concluded his address by noting that “Distinction has certainly followed Kofi Agawu throughout his career. Provocative enquiry, the challenge of fondly held nostrums and the assertions of the unwary or unprepared. There is a lucidity to Kofi Agawu’s writing that makes his work a model, not just for musical scholars, but for many others across the full range of the humanities.”
A native of Akpafu-Todzi, Professor Agawu attended the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon and Achimota Schoool. He received his undergraduate degree from Reading University in the UK, his masters’ degree from King’s College, London, and his Ph.D. from Stanford University. He has taught at Cornell, Harvard, Yale and King’s College, London and held visiting positions in Italy, Belgium, Holland, Hong Kong, the UK, South Africa, Canada and throughout the United States. He was awarded the Dent Medal in 1992 by the Royal Musical Association for distinguished contributions to musicology, and the Distinguished Visitor award by the School of Music at the University of Toronto in 2004. A Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Sciences since 2000, Professor Agawu is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Source: GHP
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tribute: E. K. Datsa
I am deeply grieved to hear of the sudden death of our beloved Headmaster, Mr. E. K. Datsa, who touched so many lifes at Presec both at Krobo Odumase and Legon. I cannot forget the opportuinity Datsa gave me by awarding me a merit scholarship (in the 1st year) in order for me to stay in school and to graduate. I cannot cry enough on hearing the sudden death of a genuine Statesman who touched many students during our high school education under his leadership as the ex-Headmaster. Hence my condolence and sympathy to Mr. E. K. Datsa ......
There are a flood of great memories about this individual, an Honorable Statesman who dedicated so much of his time to lay a solid foundation for our Alma Mater, a great institution with unparalled reputation. Presec has lost a great Ex-Headmaster who was irreplaceable in his own right, who guided many of us to develop and see the light of life. A true Statesman, "Mr. Kweku Datsa" as many Students called him was inspirational, caring and amusing. His dreams for an outstanding quality education for Presecans, inspired most of us to strive for commanding heights in higher education. His work, record and aspiration for Presec will still live on. We have all finally witnessed the results of his dedicated work, devotion and the solid foundation he laid from 1966.
Mr. Datsa loved his work as the Headmaster of Presec and worked so hard to justify his commitment to our Alma Mater that he was privileged to run for seven years, 1966-1973. It was during his tenure when the serious dialogue and initial discussions with Ministry of Education began on the establishment of the National Sixth Form Science College at Presec.
Mr. Datza will be remembered for his bold stance on dealing with the vagabonds who nicknamed him in red on the classroom wall; the writing which is not worth disclosing here for the sake of Presec Honor Code, if there was one. Mr. Datza was of average height, meduim built and always well dressed up as if he was meeting with dignitaries from the ruling Government and/or the Board of Governors. He dressed like a Statesman of gentlemanly personage, sharp appearance and clothes decently ironed.
He was attractively approachable, always willing to help the down trodden and the poor underprivileged many. He was instrumental in creating and awarding campus jobs to the needy, able and willing individuals who wanted to make a living by serving at Presec such as the Laundry Staff, Kitchen Staff, Gardeners, Campus Security etc. He rarely preached during the weekdays but when he did, I thought he had a formal serminarian/pastoral training. We always attended his Monday's morning assembly presentations or call them announcements, because they were full of quality "breaking news".
Our late Ex-headmaster was fond of providing a solid education to Presecans and took some utmost interest in sports and our annual school competitions. He was quick to assemble students at the Assembly Hall to announce any records and achievements set during such tournaments. He was good in attracting dignitaries to the school for formal and unofficial visits. Under his leadership, many temporary Teachers expressed sincere interest to stay on for permanent appointments to be part of the Presec family. It was under Mr. Datsa's leadership that Presec attracted several scholarly Women graduates who made their marks and set decent records in their respective fields.
Mr. Kwaku Datsa will be remembered for shaping Presec by laying a solid foundation in academics and discipline; he will also be remembered for managing the relocation of Presec from Krobo Odumase to Legon-Accra with distinction. We shall not forget his presence at the headmaster's office on some weekends when school was out and/or not in section. Mr. Datsa did not play with his work. He was a serious Statesman but was fun to get to know him. He will be remembered by most Presecans with his command on the English language, He was fluent and had an attractive style with the language, when many of us were still struggling to ask questions or contribute in a public forum and/or in class.
Under Mr. Datsa, many students were awarded merit scholarships that went a long way to educate many underprivileged students. His kindness to students was very attractive. A case in point, when Victor Agawu broke his hand during an unofficial school high jump trials and/or training, Mr. Kwaku Datsa accommodated him in his home. He took Agawu to the Achimota Clinic for his frequent check-ups and stayed on until he finally healed up. Mr. Datsa was exceptionally fair in his dealings with students and worked hard to promote discipline and justice among the student body.
We all come together today to celebrate the hallmark of a distinguished Statesman, Mr. E. K. Datsa who played an unforgettable role in laying a solid foundation for many graduates of Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon-Accra, Ghana. "In thy Light we shall see Light" !!
May God bless him and may his soul rest in peace!!!
Respectfully written in honor of our late and beloved Ex-headmaster, Mr. E. K. Datsa.
Emmanuel Appiah Bosompra.
Class of 1975
There are a flood of great memories about this individual, an Honorable Statesman who dedicated so much of his time to lay a solid foundation for our Alma Mater, a great institution with unparalled reputation. Presec has lost a great Ex-Headmaster who was irreplaceable in his own right, who guided many of us to develop and see the light of life. A true Statesman, "Mr. Kweku Datsa" as many Students called him was inspirational, caring and amusing. His dreams for an outstanding quality education for Presecans, inspired most of us to strive for commanding heights in higher education. His work, record and aspiration for Presec will still live on. We have all finally witnessed the results of his dedicated work, devotion and the solid foundation he laid from 1966.
Mr. Datsa loved his work as the Headmaster of Presec and worked so hard to justify his commitment to our Alma Mater that he was privileged to run for seven years, 1966-1973. It was during his tenure when the serious dialogue and initial discussions with Ministry of Education began on the establishment of the National Sixth Form Science College at Presec.
Mr. Datza will be remembered for his bold stance on dealing with the vagabonds who nicknamed him in red on the classroom wall; the writing which is not worth disclosing here for the sake of Presec Honor Code, if there was one. Mr. Datza was of average height, meduim built and always well dressed up as if he was meeting with dignitaries from the ruling Government and/or the Board of Governors. He dressed like a Statesman of gentlemanly personage, sharp appearance and clothes decently ironed.
He was attractively approachable, always willing to help the down trodden and the poor underprivileged many. He was instrumental in creating and awarding campus jobs to the needy, able and willing individuals who wanted to make a living by serving at Presec such as the Laundry Staff, Kitchen Staff, Gardeners, Campus Security etc. He rarely preached during the weekdays but when he did, I thought he had a formal serminarian/pastoral training. We always attended his Monday's morning assembly presentations or call them announcements, because they were full of quality "breaking news".
Our late Ex-headmaster was fond of providing a solid education to Presecans and took some utmost interest in sports and our annual school competitions. He was quick to assemble students at the Assembly Hall to announce any records and achievements set during such tournaments. He was good in attracting dignitaries to the school for formal and unofficial visits. Under his leadership, many temporary Teachers expressed sincere interest to stay on for permanent appointments to be part of the Presec family. It was under Mr. Datsa's leadership that Presec attracted several scholarly Women graduates who made their marks and set decent records in their respective fields.
Mr. Kwaku Datsa will be remembered for shaping Presec by laying a solid foundation in academics and discipline; he will also be remembered for managing the relocation of Presec from Krobo Odumase to Legon-Accra with distinction. We shall not forget his presence at the headmaster's office on some weekends when school was out and/or not in section. Mr. Datsa did not play with his work. He was a serious Statesman but was fun to get to know him. He will be remembered by most Presecans with his command on the English language, He was fluent and had an attractive style with the language, when many of us were still struggling to ask questions or contribute in a public forum and/or in class.
Under Mr. Datsa, many students were awarded merit scholarships that went a long way to educate many underprivileged students. His kindness to students was very attractive. A case in point, when Victor Agawu broke his hand during an unofficial school high jump trials and/or training, Mr. Kwaku Datsa accommodated him in his home. He took Agawu to the Achimota Clinic for his frequent check-ups and stayed on until he finally healed up. Mr. Datsa was exceptionally fair in his dealings with students and worked hard to promote discipline and justice among the student body.
We all come together today to celebrate the hallmark of a distinguished Statesman, Mr. E. K. Datsa who played an unforgettable role in laying a solid foundation for many graduates of Presbyterian Boys Secondary School, Legon-Accra, Ghana. "In thy Light we shall see Light" !!
May God bless him and may his soul rest in peace!!!
Respectfully written in honor of our late and beloved Ex-headmaster, Mr. E. K. Datsa.
Emmanuel Appiah Bosompra.
Class of 1975
Friday, September 18, 2009
Breaking News: Funeral.
Dear All,
You are informed about the death of Mr. E. K. Datsa, former Headmaster of PRESEC, on Thursday 17th September 2009.
He was also the father of our Odadee '77 year group mate Raymond Datsa. If anyone wishes to get in touch with Raymond to extend his condolence, please email Selassie Ameko (ssaatl@gmail.com)
What did Pakas see when he visited Presec?
I made a visit to Presec to see the beneficiaries of this initiative and boy the school looks good. However, the new headmaster, a very progressive man, thinks Odadees still don't have the spirit of helping their alma matta. Can you beleive that the ICT facility at the school does not have any connectivity (Vodafone broadband), and yet the Madina district of Vodafone sits on Presec land and worst, an old boy works there. However, all promises, and no old boy working at Vodafone (ex-Ghana Telecom) has found the need to help the school. Mr Peprah and Co. who prepare the kids also have some old computers (2000 edition), and no internet connectivity.
Nana Antwi Darkwah
CEO, Hawkrad Group
3, Fifth Crescent, Asylum Down
PO Box KA9244, Airport-Accra. Ghana
Tel. +233 21 234382
Fax.+233 21 258702
E.mail: nanapakas@yahoo.com
Level of enthusiasm with current drive perhaphs supports this feeling becuase for all the nostalgia being expressed we have less than 2k now.
Good news is the '76 year group is gearing up to present a new computer to the Staff Common Room by end of the month and we shall ensure that it is internet enabled, "Chief" Ofori Darko is leading that drive, and has the rest of the '76 guys supporting. "Bro" Abankwa is also leading us to get the school overhead tank to solve the water problem. We can look at the provision of borehole to the school as a long term solution after the current crusade to motivate the teachers.
I am yet to find a truly committed Odadee who will open wide his wallet in appreciation of what we got from the school. I hope that current drive would motivate and bring the real supporters in future.
cheers
PakasNana Antwi Darkwah
CEO, Hawkrad Group
3, Fifth Crescent, Asylum Down
PO Box KA9244, Airport-Accra. Ghana
Tel. +233 21 234382
Fax.+233 21 258702
E.mail: nanapakas@yahoo.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Photos from Tieku's funeral (76-78 sports prefect)
Some sad news you may already be aware. Tieku was 1976-1978 Sports Captain [Prefect], and he was also in Akro House.
Click here for the photos: http://bit.ly/PwxYd
Click here for the photos: http://bit.ly/PwxYd
Friday, September 4, 2009
Apae oooo!
The university of cape coast would be hosting the annual inter tertiary institution congress of the the old students' association of PRESEC and Aburi Girls next semester.
All are invited.
Updates will be coming soon after. Stay blessed.
IN LUMINE TUO ...
Contact: kwesigee17@yahoo.com
All are invited.
Updates will be coming soon after. Stay blessed.
IN LUMINE TUO ...
Contact: kwesigee17@yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Let's support our NSMQ teachers
All;
The consistent performance of PRESEC in the annual National Maths and Science Quiz (NSMQ) competition has elevated the school, your Alma Mater, to the upper echelons of secondary education in Ghana (The only 5 time winner of the competition). The ingredients for this success can be found in the quality of the student pool at Presec and more cardinally, the faculty/teachers, who are responsible for coaching, preparing and mentoring the students who represent the school at the annual competition.
This selfless and dedicated group of teachers with the support of the headmaster organizes coaching sessions for the contestants at their own cost and on their own time to ensure the winning streak Presec has enjoyed in the prestigious competition.
As you can imagine, these teachers are poorly remunerated but their extreme affection for the school and their students in the face of poor working conditions and unsustainable salaries is a case study in focus, forbearance, altruism and dedication to their craft and PRESEC.
As a way of giving back to the school which is responsible for your success in life today, I suggest that we organize a fund raising drive to collect money for the teachers who are responsible for preparing the students for the annual NSMQ.
This initiative will show our appreciation for the important work this group of teachers is doing to elevate the status of our dear Alma Mater to stratospheric heights.
If you are moved to encourage the above referenced teachers to continue to perform their winning formula for PRESEC, please send a check to me at the address below.
The funds will be managed in a transparent manner and I will ensure that the total amount collected will be received by this wonderful group of teachers. I will also circulate a list of contributors to the group.
I start the ball rolling by contributing $100 to the NSMQ teachers at PRESEC
Please feel free to make any suggestions that will enhance this initiative and forward this posting to all Odadees you are in contact with.
Hopefully, this initiative will light a Promethean Fire in Odadees and shake us out of our apathy and lethargy. It will also encourage the teachers to intensify their efforts and ensure that the NSMQ becomes the exclusive preserve of PRESEC.
Please send any contribution for the PRESEC NSMQ teachers to
Sam Addo
10960 South Kimball Bridge Crossing
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Sincerely;
Sam Addo - Odadee 1976
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