Royal SVG Police Band’s Christmas concerts to honour fallen comrade

The Police Band Christmas Concerts for this season will be dedicated to Police Constable Franklin Matthews, a former band member who passed away in August.{{more}}

Band Master Station Sergeant Bernard Haynes, praised Matthews for his 14 years of service in the band and his skills on the keyboard and saxophone.

“Franklin Matthews was a versatile player …and those who heard him play last year can attest to this,” he said.

The Police Band has already had concerts in various areas this week, including Byera, Layou and Greiggs.

They are also scheduled to perform at five, this afternoon in Barrouallie.

Major events such as the Governor General’s Children’s Party, Police Carolling Contest, Annual Prison Concert and Police Thanksgiving are expected to include performances by the band.

Haynes outlined the features of the concert for this year.

He described this year’s event as “the people’s concert” and said that persons from the public will be given unlimited time to perform and be a part of the concert, whether in the form of song or instrumental piece.

The band master also stated that in areas being visited that have steel orchestras, the latter are invited to play alongside the band.

Traditional carols, gospel, reggae, soca and calypso are all included in the band’s repertoire for this year.

Additionally, children who participate in the competition segment of the concert to sing popular Christmas carols will be awarded various prizes.

The audience will be deemed the judges and will select the best three performers.

The Police Band plans to perform from December 9 to December 13 in Chateaubelair, Biabou, Ottley Hall, Georgetown and Calliaqua on consecutive days.

Sandy Bay, Lowmans Windward and Troumaca are also on the agenda and are slated to get performances from December 17 to December 19.

Performances in Questelles, Union Island and Palm Island are scheduled to run from December 21 to December 23.

Haynes said that concerts in the areas will run for approximately two hours, and that in comparison to last year, he expects to see greater crowd participation.

He also said that on behalf of the band, he would like to extend season greetings to the nation.(BK)