Patrons in for jazzy treat this Christmas season – police band leader

Persons attending the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band concerts in 2014 will be treated to a number of musical pieces with a jazzy undertone.

Band leader Inspector Bernard Haynes visited SEARCHLIGHT yesterday to share the details of this season’s concerts in the various communities.{{more}}

“Our repertoire will include a wide range of music: gospel, ballad, reggae and calypso,” Haynes said.

“This year, many of our carols will be done in a jazzy mood. Our members will be featured playing jazz.”

In addition to changing up their sound, the police band will be visiting areas that they have not gone to in a long time, such as Bequia and Petit Bordel.

However, the band leader noted that some persons often ask why the band does not perform in certain areas.

“It is not easy to perform in some places because of space, electricity and shelter in case of rain, where our equipment can be damaged. We have a lot of equipment,” Haynes revealed, noting that the band has evolved from utilizing only wind instruments.

As in other years, persons will be invited to sing along to the musical styling of the police band and steel orchestras in some areas will be invited to join in on the fun.

Children will also be able to participate in carol singing contests.

“We’re inviting all persons to turn out, listen to the radios and media for date and time for concerts in your area. Happy Christmas from Police Force band and Police Force,” the Inspector of Police said.

The police band was started in 1951 and has been having Christmas concerts for more than 60 years. The series of concerts for 2014 will begin today in Fancy at 3 p.m. and is scheduled to continue until December 23, when it will end in Stubbs.(See full schedule on right)(BK)