Police Band introduces drill training to summer camp

For the fifth year running, the nation’s youths are having their musical talents fine-tuned – courtesy of the Royal SVG Police Force Band.{{more}}

The annual summer programme, which began on July 23, has already seen 75 registered participants; but the programme coordinator expects that there will be several more late-comers.

Station Sergeant Bernard Haynes said that the summer programme has become increasingly popular over the years, with many participants returning repeatedly until they reach the age limit.

Haynes, extolling the benefits of the summer programme, said: “It helps with discipline. It helps them to focus and improves the memory, which results in better performance at school.”

He also explained that music has a soothing effect on the body, making reference to scientific studies where music is used as part of rehabilitation in patients who are paralysed or physically disabled.

“Music has healing power. It activates parts of the brain that no other subjects can do,” he said.

This year’s participants will receive coaching in a wide variety of musical instruments, including piano, keyboard, drums, recorder, saxophone, trumpet, steel pan, guitar and bass guitar, among others.

There will also be a sporting element to the month-long programme, with cricket and football lessons, and a Sports Day where participants will compete in teams.

Haynes also said that the participants will benefit from lectures on tourism, the justice system, drug abuse, and health and family life, which he hopes will help boost participants’ self-esteem and contribute to theirpersonal development.

For the first time this year, participants will also receive drill training, which Haynes said would be useful if any of the participants later decide to join the Cadets or Police force.

Haynes has been a part of this summer programme since its inception in 2008, and has racked up 32 years of service within in the police force.

The summer programme runs from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to midday, and there is a $10 registration fee. It will end on August 24.(JV)