About Us

Our Staff

BAND DIRECTOR: Mr. Vinton Haughton BSc Ed. (Hons) Dip. Ed. (Mus)

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR: Mrs. Michelle McFarlane MSc. Ed.

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Cecile Walden CD JP

The Sam Sharpe Community Band began in 1976 by the founding Principal of the Sam Sharpe Teachers' College, Dr. Simon Clarke, now UNESCO's representative to the Caribbean. The band programme now is as diverse as any programme can get. The student's growth as a musician is the primary goal of all programmes. Importance is placed on combined teaching methods individual tuition and group sessions at all levels - in order to produce high calibre musicians and or teachers. Now an affiliate of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) London, the band offers tuition on the following instruments:

Clarinet / Flute

Alto Saxophone / Tenor Saxophone

Trombone / Baritone / Trumpet / Cornet

Piano

Percussion : Snare Drum, Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Drum Set

Students receive a classical training in their chosen instrument.

Our Programmme

The band accepts its members from the sorrounding communities. The ages may range anywhere between 10 years to 25 years. New applicants need no previous knowledge of music to enter any of our programmes. Our two main programmes are:

* Sam Sharpe Concert Band (SSCB)

* Sam Sharpe Marching Band (SSMB)

Pre-requisites for these programmes are commensurate with similar programmes offered by the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA) / Jamaica School of Music (JSM). Band members are taught the basics of Music Theory using requirements set out by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Theory and Practical Musicmanship are offered from Grades 1-5.

The Marching Band offers a comprehensive programme which includes marching band instrument techniques, drill design, etc...... Rehearsals take place on Fridays @ 6:00pm in the College's Car Park.

The Concert Band is a fairly new aspect to the band programme. This band offers a bi-annual recital usually in Summer and Christmas. Rehearsals take place on Saturdays @ 4:00pm - 6:30pm in the College's Multi-Purpose Hall (M.P.H.)

Member of the World Association of Marching Show Bands (WAMSB)

"Service, Commitment and Excellence through Music"