The Alexandra School Alumni Association has taken the challenge to assist their alma mater with funding for developmental programmes for students. The group, backed by the St Peter school, has embarked on a series of fund-raising events to get closer to the financial objective.
On Sunday, the alumni hosted a concert at the Prince Cave Hall at District “A” Police Station which featured the Barbados Police Service Band led by Deputy Director Dexter Norville.
Former student Rashanna Britton performed Redeemer.
Association president Antoinette Connell told Barbados TODAY, “This fund-raising concert is all a part of our giveback effort to provide funds for a mentorship programme and for the refurbishment of the music hall.”
The infrastructure improvement, she noted, is pivotal for the wealth of talent at the school to be recognised.
Maya Sobers earned a standing ovation from some of the attendees.
Connell explained, “The proceeds will also go towards a counselling and mentorship programme for students in order to assist those who may be experiencing some sort of trauma that could cause them to react in a less than desirable way and in the long run, stop them from being productive citizens.”
She said that the aim is to treat the problem before the effects are irreversible.
Members of the band showed off their talent individually.
During the event patrons were treated to the musical excellence for which the police band is known. Covering multiple genres, the band’s pieces included Yellow Bird, with maracas added, which accentuated the tropical flavour. Some of the musical selections were pulled from movie soundtracks including Love Story and the Sound of Music. The musicians started with the latter’s title track before adeptly playing the well-known songs including Do- Re-Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen and My Favourite Things. They reinforced their music prowess with Don’t cry for me Argentina from Evita and the overture from Light Calvary.
Some lucky patrons won door prizes.
In addition to the classics the ensemble showed its versatility with a soca segment of Red Plastic Bag’s I’m alive and Boat ride as delighted patrons danced in their seats. Individual members of the band also displayed their musicality. Constable Weekes sang Diana Ross’ If we hold on together while Constable Richards was flawless in his delivery of A change is going to come on tenor sax.
The school’s talent was also put on display. Student Maya Sobers and alum Rashanna Britton delivered impressive vocals. Britton showcased her powerful voice with a stirring rendition of Redeemer while Sobers earned a standing ovation from several attendees with Hallelujah. (STT)
