Alpha – an academy for Jamaica music

The Prominent Vocational "Academy" of Popular Music in Jamaica

Alpha Boys’ School – a vocational school in Kingston, Jamaica, a major contributor to the past and current successes of Jamaica’s popular musical achievements. A recent BBC documentary by the acclaimed jazz musician, Courtney Pine, showed his visit to and impression of ABS and Courtney confirmed a success story yet to be fully told.

Names of local and internationally successful ABS musicians read like a litany, and many of them continue to bring their musical influence to bear on many countries around the world. Without ABS, neither The Skatalites nor Reggae would have happened! This page is therefore but a first step to enabling that story to be told! The Role of Honour would include:

Lennie Hibbert, Charles Clarke (Piano), Don Drummond, Tommy McCook, Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, Lester Sterling

Jasper Shaw (Sax), Harold Williams (Double Bass), Cedric “Im” Brooks (Sax), Rico Rodriquez,

Joe Harriott, Joe Bennett (Trumpet), Tantan Thornton, Sparrow Martin (Conductor & Drums),

David Madden, and many more prominent and successful musicians.

Right: the school band lining up, perhaps to go on a practice March (circa 1959) Left: The Jamaica Military Band, conducted by Joseph Williams (ARCM) – most of the players were Alpha Past Boys on route to the big times in the music industry

Right: The Sunny Bradshaw (Independence Year – 1962) with a line up of "Past Boys" including, Harold Williams (bass), Sparrow Martin (drums), Norris Redgarde, Winston Turner (trumpet), Carl Masters, Don Wilson and one Basil Hylton – among others. Left: The much loved and respected, Sister Iggy (died Feb.9, 2003) seen here with the Eddie Thornton, trumpeter with the likes of the Alan Price Band, Boney M, and Jazz Jamaica. A recent CD, "Come Dance With Me", compiled by past and present students has been produced through Sr Iggy. Every past student should have one – and can be obtained via the Alpha Website! Proceeds are in aid of the continued good work of the school.

Alpha Boys’ School alumni

Please use the Guest Book on the "Main Page" (click below to get back there) and let us have your views. Or email us your address and details.

Old and current photographs are welcome.

The Alumni List - OR - The Homepage

Email the Webmaster

Disclaimer: Names and addresses of those on the “Alumni List” have been volunteered to the webmaster. On request they can be removed on being initially informed of their inclusion. Responsibility cannot be taken by the said owner for inappropriate use or contacts by others. Names & addresses will not be used by us for commercial purposes.