THE Parkinson Memorial School in The Pine would have been the envy of many for close to two hours yesterday when the world renowned Royal Barbados Police Force Band gave a well received concert to the students and staff.
The event, which was organized by music teachers Randy Eastmond and Sheldon Hope, was intended to give the students exposure to music that was different from what they were accustomed to. According to Eastmond, the school’s choir and band would have benefited tremendously from the visit by the band.
Under the direction of Superintendent Keith Ellis, the band not only played many classical pieces but also thrilled the students by playing some of the younger generation’s contemporary favourites.
However, nothing pleased the students more than when one of their own, Matthew Trotman, was given the opportunity to play the drums with the band. The second former said he was thrilled to play with the Police Band as he hoped to make music a career and would like to join the band in the future to develop his skills.
Equally pleased was Superintendent Ellis, who disclosed that the performance at Parkinson was the kind of thing the band was involved in at various schools around the island.
“The reception and response was tremendous and we feel pleased that we have been able to give the students this exposure to a different level of music. The students and the staff showed great appreciation,” Ellis said.
