By Tanya Batson-Savage, Staff Reporter 
Yanique and Pierre Leiba
YANIQUE AND Pierre Leiba are siblings who share a passion for music. Separated by five years, the two represent the eldest (Yanique, 26) and youngest (Pierre) of three children. As such, they are at different stages in their musical development, but not in their commitment to music.
Pierre plays the violin, while Yanique plays the piano. During the interview which took place at their St. Andrew home, the two displayed a dynamic which, even if one hadn't known, marks them as siblings. The most prominent aspect of this was that Yanique was clearly the 'big sister', though without being overbearingly so.
So, for example, Yanique showed the tendency to push Pierre toward giving fuller answers to questions, or would elaborate on something he said. The two seem to be rather close and understanding and appreciative of each other's abilities. As such, Pierre comments that Yanique's attention to detail works well for the performances they have together.
Though both were introduced to music young, at approximately age four, their experiences and approaches are quite different. Yanique explains that for her, music became something of an armour in her early years at school. Yanique explained that as a shy little girl who wore glasses, she used music as a way to define herself.
FIRST PERFORMANCE
She explains that her first performance at one of Meadowbrook Preparatory School's annual concerts greatly boosted her confidence. "Music was the only thing that they (the students) respected me for," she says.
When Pierre first began playing the violin at approximately age four, he found that the instrument was not to his liking. He would later take up the piano and study that instrument up to the Grade Five level in the Royal School of Music exams. Interestingly, boredom would take him back to the violin. "One summer I was here and the light went and I had nothing to do," explains Pierre. He says that as the violin was sitting in the corner he decided to try that. "I went from being horrible to Grade Five," he says.
His sister laughs in agreement, adding, "we used to have to try shutting the doors". But her pride in her brother s accomplishment shines through. Pierre points out that the feat was accomplished in large part because of his teacher. "Noel Peck is the man who made me a violinist," he says passionately.
Pierre has reached Grade Eight in violin and from there will move to the Advanced Level Diploma.
Pierre has just completed his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad. However, music and computers are his passions. "I'd give up engineering like that," he says with a snap of his fingers.
Yanique explains that she ennjoys her job, at the Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB), but she too would love to devote herself to music.
Her preference is boldly declared by the silver framed Licentiate Diploma of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) certification that takes pride of place on the wall. The diploma is the equivalent of a graduate diploma from the Royal School of Music. As Yanique points out, the certification for her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration is nowhere in sight. "It was the best year of my life bar none," says Yanique of 2001, the year she earned the LRSM.
TIME
Though music is not how she earns her living, Yanique explains that the day devoted to it, far more so than the time that would be given to a hobby. "Music sometimes takes up almost as much time as work," she says. Yanique accompanies several choirs and soloists. She notes that with the dearth of classically trained pianists, she is quite in demand. In much the same way, Pierre explains that though the pressures of school may have forced him to go without music for a few days, he would never go for longer. "I eat drink and sleep music," he says. While at university, Pierre played with the Trinidad National Orchestra, as well as various bands, including his hall (Canada) band.
Again, the two differ when it comes to the kind of music they most enjoy playing. For Pierre, the choice is classical music, but for Yanique it is modern love songs. "Classical music is important as a benchmark, so I know that I'm up to the standard that I can be," says Yanique. Because of this she revels in opportunities to let her fingers reign on the ivories.
However, she notes that as many of her engagements are with churches, the chance to play classical music does not come often. She explains that the annual Mother's Day concert at their church, Bethel Baptist, gives her a chance to indulge in playing classical music.
As such, though Yanique explains that herself and Pierre's aptitude for music may be an "aberration", together the two may well be starting a new family tradition.
