The Barbados Police Band, recognized as one of the world’s oldest continuously active police musical ensembles, is strengthening community ties through its innovative youth outreach program. The band launched its second annual three-day workshop for secondary school music students this week, demonstrating a commitment to cultural preservation and youth development.
Acting Inspector Ryan Brathwaite, Police Service Public Affairs and Communications Officer, emphasized the dual purpose of the initiative during its opening at St. Leonard’s Boys School in Richmond. “This program is designed to sharpen the musical skills of our secondary school students while exposing them to the professional discipline required in musicianship,” Brathwaite stated. Participants will experience firsthand the band’s daily rehearsal routines and performance preparation techniques that have been refined over decades.
The workshop has seen growing participation, with organizers anticipating between 100-150 students this year—a significant increase from the 96 participants from 11 schools during last year’s inaugural event. The program features specialized breakout sessions where students receive instrument-specific training in clarinet, trombone, and other sections, culminating in a grand ensemble performance on Wednesday.
Beyond musical training, the initiative serves broader social objectives. “We aim to develop more disciplined, well-rounded students while fulfilling our community engagement responsibilities,” Brathwaite explained. Deputy Director of Music Dexter Norville reinforced this vision, noting the workshop’s additional purpose as a recruitment pathway. “Our intentions extend beyond education and motivation—we hope to encourage talented musicians to join our ranks,” Norville revealed.
The program originated from Station Sergeant Jerome Clarke, who proposed the concept several years ago as both a recruitment officer and band member. The band’s historical significance was highlighted throughout the event, tracing its origins to 1889 when 19 musically-gifted constables were selected from regular patrols for specialized training under a British Army officer stationed at the Garrison.
With 137 years of musical service complementing the 191-year history of the Barbados Police Service, the band has become an institutional icon. It has performed at international military tattoos, made historic American television appearances in the 1960s, and regularly participates in national ceremonies and community events, previously attracting students from St. Joseph Boys’ School, St Silas Boys’, and more recently, Alleyne School.