Shereita Grizzle, STAR Writer

The Alpha Institute is currently recruiting students to join their vocational training programme, the Alpha Music Programme.

The programme is open to boys between 16 and 18 years and will run for two years.

According to Joshua Chamberlain, director of the Alpha Institute, the programme will be led by experienced staff and will include lessons in music theory and practice as well as audio production and recording.

"Along with the theory and practical knowledge that these students will receive, we have added an additional feature with our production programme. Students will gain knowledge of audio production and recording from professionals in the industry. When they are done with the programme, they (the students) will be able to get a job in the industry doing mixing, etc," he said.

Interested persons are asked to submit applications at the Alpha Institute at 26 South Camp Road or call 928-1345 for more information. Application forms are also available online at alphaboysschool.org and at the institution. Registration ends today.

Chamberlain said that while interested persons do not have to be experienced, they must be passionate about music and want to learn.

"Alpha has a rich musical history," he said. "Some of the greatest Jamaican musicians are products of the Alpha Institute and we want to continue that legacy by producing musicians who love what they do and are passionate about making a career from it," he said.

Conrad Pinnock, a product of the Alpha Institute, encouraged children to get involved in the programme as it could be the start of a tremendous professional career. Pinnock, who is known by his stage name Conrad SaxMelody, plays the saxophone and has worked with the likes of Toots Hibberts, Beres Hammond and Romain Virgo throughout his career. He has also been a part of several of the country's leading bands, including Fab Five and Byron Lee's Dragonnaires.

"Alpha not only taught me the fundamentals of music theory and practice, but it also prepared me for life as a professional musician," he said.

Chamberlain told the WEEKEND STAR that although the Alpha Institute no longer houses boys and their training programme is now only being offered in the day between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., the Institute's main objective remains the same.

"We still want to serve students who need the assistance. Alpha is interested in helping those who are not in a mainstream school or were kicked out of other schools and want to seriously pursue music as a career," he said.

shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com