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Known as Jamaica’s ‘musical
nursery’ for its fundamental role in producing much of the
country’s diverse musical talent, from members of Louis
Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie’s bands to Grammy winners in
the Reggae category, the Alpha Boys School has been praised as
“the primary force behind Jamaica’s musical explosion of
the ‘60s and ‘70s” (Billboard
Magazine) and “the first of the JA [musical] trinity”
(Mojo).
From jazz greats Dizzy Reece and Joe Harriot to ska
pioneer Don Drummond and leading reggae vocalist Leroy Smart,
from acclaimed drummer Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace to the
DJ Yellowman, it was at Alpha where each first stretched their
musical might.
Established by The Sisters of
Mercy, a Catholic order of nuns, in 1884 as a home for
Jamaica’s ‘wayward’ boys, Alpha Boys School remains to
this day a residential vocational school serving 150
court-ordered at-risk boys between 8 and 18 years old.
Alpha offers five vocational tracks: tailoring,
gardening, book-binding, printing and music.
The school prides itself on its discipline and the
music program takes no less strict an approach.
Band practice starts every morning at 8 A.M. with
marching drills. As
Alpha Bandmaster, Winston “Sparrow” Martin explains,
“First they learn discipline as a person. Then the other
part of the business is," and ends with a snap of his
fingers.
The strategy has paid off.
Graduates of Alpha’s music program are relatively
assured they will find regular work in the various studios
around Kingston, on local and international tours as part of a
backing band or the Jamaican Military Band where 9 out of 10
players are “past boys”.
Despite
its accomplishments, Alpha Boys School relies on public
support to fund its programs.
30% of its revenue is provided by the Jamaican
Government, the remainder coming from private donations and
the sale of products the boys produce.
For a complete list of these products visit
www.alphaboysschool.com.
Alpha Boys School
on the web:
www.alphaboysschool.co.uk/ABS.htm
www.alphaboysschool.com
Jamaica
Observer Op-ed
VP
Records Tribute to Alpha Boys School
The current
Bandmaster, Winston "Sparrow" Martin, is an Alpha
alumnus and international recording artist
Alpha provides a
complete education
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