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Contact:
Primus Hutchinson
Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - Musician extraordinaire and one of St.
Lucia’s most outstanding jazz performers, Luther Francois, says he is quite
honoured to performed with the Royal St. Lucia Police Band during their Gospel
Concert tonight. This is in keeping with the observance of the band’s 57th
anniversary, this month.
However, Francois is also suggesting that the band be given further assistance
to enhance its profile. Francois who rehearsed with the Royal St. Lucia Police
Band prior to the concert, expressed satisfaction with their level of
performance, which he says can be even better, providing they can be assisted at
the level required.
“I think that everything should be done to upgrade the operations of the band,
particularly in the organisation of sheet music, preferably using computers. The
band master should have a professional copyist assign to the band, to create a
few more jobs and make life easier for the guys”, Mr. Francois said.
He is also of the view that St. Lucia needs a central musical entity. The
multi-talented St. Lucian musician is suggesting if possible, an amalgamation of
the St. Lucia School of Music with the Royal St. Lucia Police Band. According to
Francois, this may very well lead to the formation of a local symphonic
orchestra.
“I would think that St. Lucia is really at this point to go a little beyond the
police band concept and to add a section of string players, who would be
salaried like the guys, in the police band, but not necessary be within the
police force of course. We can look forward to the formation eventually, of a
symphonic orchestra, if this sort of thing can be put in place”, St. Lucia’s
leading Jazz Saxophonist and musician of International acclaimed Mr. Francois
said.
Meanwhile, the Royal St. Lucia Police Band, is hosting an exhibition at the
Police Auditorium, displaying musical instruments used by the band in years
past, as well as those of today. A number of the band’s activities in its 57th
years of existence are also being exhibited.
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