Alpha Boys School
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alpha Cottage School (often referred to as Alpha Boys School) is a school on South Camp Road in Kingston, Jamaica, run by Roman Catholic nuns. Established in 1880 as a "school for wayward boys", it became renowned for both the discipline it instilled in its pupils and the outstanding musical tuition they received.[1] The school has had its own band since 1892,[1] originally a drum and fife corps[2] and later a brass band after the gift of brass instruments from the Roman Catholic Bishop of Jamaica,[2] and has been credited with influencing the development of reggae. [3]
Noted music instructors included:
- Lennie Hibbert
- Eric Deans, as well as
- Sister Mary Ignatius Davis.
Noted alumni include Desmond Dekker, four founder members of the Skatalites: Tommy McCook, Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, Lester Sterling and Don Drummond,[4] Cedric Brooks, Rico Rodriguez, Yellowman, Vin Gordon.[3] saxophonist and flautist Harold McNair [5], saxophonist Joe Harriott[5], "Deadly" Headley Bennett,[6] and singer Leroy Smart.[7][1]
[edit] External links
- Alpha Boys School on MySpace with potted biographies of Alpha old boys, more in-depth articles in the blog and details of forthcoming fund-raisers
- Alpha Old Boys Association
- Alpha Boys School page where you can donate to the school or buy their music-related products
- Mercy Mall - products of the Alpha boys School wooodwork department for sale
- Alpha Boys School page apparently set up by the nuns at the school themselves
- Alpha Boys association for Poor and Disadvantaged Children - A UK-based charity raising funds for the Alpha Boys School and providing a social network for old boys
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Barrow, Steve and Dalton, Peter: "Reggae: The Rough Guide", Rough Guides, 1997, ISBN 1-85828-247-0
- ^ a b History of Alpha Boys' School
- ^ a b Nun who nurtured reggae The Daily Telegraph, 12/01/2006
- ^ The Skatalites Biography
- ^ a b Jamaica Observer - Jazz: What's Jamaica Got To Do With It?
- ^ Steve Barker on Headley Bennett's only solo album to date
- ^ Liner notes from the "Impressions of Leroy Smart" CD
