At-Risk Youth Benefit from Marching Band Explosion of LMAJ Western

Several at-risk youth who have participated in the Marching Band Explosion of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica (LMAJ) Western, over the years, have emerged as success stories in their own right.

This was noted by Regional Director of the organisation, Claudette Bryan, at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, held at the agency’s Montego Bay Regional office, on June 10.

Mrs. Bryan said this year’s event will be held at the Catherine Hall Multi-Purpose Complex in St. James, on Sunday, July 6, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Some 600 at-risk youth from volatile communities, some as young as six, will be participating in the event.

Mrs. Bryan noted that Andrene Brown, a talented young saxophonist who participated in the event in the past, has since become a member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

“She plays the saxophone and when the marching band programme started, she was involved. She became a part of the army. She continued her career with the saxophone and recently went to California. She entered a competition and came out on top,” she said.

She added that Ms. Brown will also be participating in the upcoming event, as she will play the National Anthem and will also assist in marshalling the bands on the field.

Mrs. Bryan pointed out that numerous former participants of the event have secured scholarships and subsequently advanced their careers utilising the instruments they mastered within their respective ensembles.

She said that several leaders of these bands have supported the members through various educational initiatives, adding that bands continue to be constructive influences in the lives of the children.

“If we check the records, even the Montego Bay Boys’ Club has put out some of the best musicians anywhere across the world today,” Mrs. Bryan noted.

She is appealing to corporate Jamaica and other organisations to extend their support to the marching bands.

“What we need and what Jamaica needs is attention to some of these small programmes that may not seem significant but, what it does, it spares lives and it gives direction. So, we have had a lot of positive stories about marching bands right across the island, too much to talk about, but what we need is the support,” Mrs. Bryan emphasised.

Persons who wish to lend their support to the event and the participating bands are encouraged to reach out via email to laymagistrates@gmail.com or by calling 876 919 2923.

Additionally, interested parties may connect with the association through their Facebook and Instagram platforms, @stjameslaymagistrates.