Students delight at close of police music programme

With only five short weeks of practice on various musical instruments, participants in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band Summer Programme were transformed from novices into very capable musicians.{{more}}

The sixty-two students who took part in the programme, received certificates and had the chance to show-off their newly sharpened skills at the close of the programme, now in its third year, on Friday August, 20, 2010.

Held at the Old Montrose Police Station, the closing ceremony showcased the talents of children between nine and fifteen years old, playing the different instruments like seasoned professionals, much to the pleasure of the packed auditorium. The instruments included: Drums, Steel Pan, Flute and Guitar.

Parents and other members of the audience were blown away by how much the young ones had learnt in such a short space of time. Renee Herbert, the only girl on the drums, received a thunderous applause after making sweet music with her drum sticks.

Sharing brief remarks, Assistant Superintendent and Band Master, Carlos Sampson, said the programme has been rewarding, not only for the children, but also for the instructors. In an overview of the programme, which began on July 19, Sampson said some children came without any idea of how to play or what instruments they wanted to perfect. He added that as the weeks rolled on, the children became more comfortable with the different instruments.

Sampson encouraged the parents to get their children involved in music as it would help them develop.

Also on hand at the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller said he is pleased that parents left their children in the care of the police. “We are happy for this, as it will only help to build and continue the relationship we have with the public,” Miller said.

It is Miller’s hope that a band will be formed consisting of children who participated in the summer program as soon as possible. The top cop lauded ASP Sampson for a job well done. (KW)