Marching Band...
The activity with which the club has been most associated and has a greater public presence, is its Marching Band which has been in existence for more than 40 years. Launched in 1961 with a few pieces under the leadership of Gladston "Pop" Lawrence and with the assistance of David Earle, Arthur Bailey, Percy Braham and Samuel Fray, the Boys Club Drum Corp's performance gradually improved and won great praise and support.
It was not long after its beginning that members expressed the desire for a full ensemble. Mr. 'Papa' Pavlovic was encouraged by the boys' enthusiasm and started to solicit help.
By 1968 the band became a 30-piece outfit with Winston 'Sparrow' Martin, formerly of Jamaica Regiment Band, at the Helm.
Many members have gone to play in hotel bands, and on cruise ship. Perhaps music has been the principal contributor ot finding employment for club members.
STAGE BAND
The success of the marching band led to the formation of a stage band in the late 1960s with the Barry Sadler at the helm as music teacher and band instructor.
This band which comprises of saxophones (alto & tenor), trumpets, trombones, a trap set, 1 bass guitar, rhythms & lead guitars and percussions was quite different from the marching band. Also offers opportunities for the boys to perform at hotels and many functions.
Mr. Sadler stayed with the programme for less than a year until Mr. Sparrow Martin from the Jamaica Military Band came on board. He added much more to the programme and this actually resulted in the creation of musicians who became Professional musicians. Mr. Ratimir Pavlovic was very instrumental in getting the band to perform at functions. Mr. 'Pop' Lawrence was also very much involved.
Mr. Sparrow Martin stayed with the programme for approximately 2 years. However, he suddenly left without prior notice and this created some problems but did not stop the programme as Mr. 'Pop' Lawrence took control of the band and kept it going up until the early 1980s.
Major performances are at Sarasota, Florida 1972, Montreal Olympics 1976, Chicago U.S.A. 1979.
The band also visited The Cayman Islands and Milwaukee U.S.A. in 1989 where the band won The Best Cultural Presentation Award.
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