50 YOUTH TRAINED BY FOOD FOR THE POOR THIS SUMMER - News Release - August 26, 2015

THE GIFT OF AN INSTRUMENT: The 50 youth who were enrolled in Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica’s Annual Summer Band Camp for 2015, which was held between July 20 and August 12, were overjoyed to hear that they would be receiving the instrument to which they were assigned. This was announced to them at the charity organisation’s Summer Band Camp’s Graduation Ceremony held on August 12 at FFP’s headquarters in St Catherine. Members of the charity organisation and guest speaker, saxophonist Dean Fraser, encouraged them to use these instruments to develop a skill or career for themselves.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kingston, Jamaica – August 21, 2015: Fifty youth were trained to play musical instruments - drums, saxophones, flutes, trumpets, clarinets and trombones - between July 20 and August 12, by Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica during their annual Summer Band Camp which was held at their headquarters in Ellerslie Pen, St. Catherine.

On the last day of training, an awards ceremony was held for the youth who were each awarded with the instrument they used during the three-week camp.

Saxophonist, Dean Fraser, was the guest speaker at the awards ceremony. In his remarks, he thanked FFP for creating an opportunity for the 50 youngsters to be exposed to the art of music through which they can garner a skill.

“I was introduced to music at the age of 13, so these participants can definitely learn and grow in music. Many people think there is no future in music in Jamaica, but these children have proven otherwise. I want to encourage the parents to keep an eye on them, help them along and ensure that they practice often,” Fraser said.

In responding to his request, Sharon Shreaves, a parent whose children participated in the programme, said she has ensured and will continue to see to it that her children use their instruments.

“My three children have benefitted from this programme over the years, and are all doing very well in music. They have travelled far and wide performing music. They not only learnt to play one or two musical instruments, but now they can play up to seven instruments. I am grateful to Food For The Poor for giving them this opportunity,” Shreaves said.

Since 2010, Joshua Shreaves has been part of the annual Summer Band Camp programme in which youth from various inner city communities come together to take on the exciting challenge of learning to play a musical instrument.

Thanks to FFP, Joshua is now skilled at playing the saxophone and other musical instruments.

“I have learnt a lot from this programme and I hope to one day give back in this way in terms of teaching others to play a musical instrument and watching them grow over a three-week period. I have also developed good leadership skills by just being part of this band camp. The way Food For The Poor and their donors have invested in my development has given me a passion and motivation to also give back to those who are in need. I really appreciate the support over the years and I know that other students and parents share the same gratitude.”

FFP has been hosting their Summer Band Camp for the last seven years.

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For more information, please contact:
Ainsworth Morris, PROComm. Tel: 926-6740 or 375-6136
Petri-Ann Henry, Public Relations Officer, Food For The Poor Jamaica. Cell: 564-2886

LITTLE DRUMMERS: Drummers of Food For The Poor’s (FFP) Summer Band Camp show off their skills with Investigating Officer at FFP, Lancelot Pearson in the background.

THE ART OF MUSIC: Senior members of Food For The Poor’s Summer Band Camp delivering a spectacular performance during the recent graduation ceremony.

SHOWING OFF THEIR NEW SKILLS: Jeffery Brown (left), Food For The Poor’s Summer Band Camp instructor, directing a performance of the youth during the recent graduation.

STAY WITH ME: This group of students, who were trained by Food For The Poor this summer, are playing the tune of Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’ on their flutes.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT: Students of the Band Camp listen carefully to the wise words of renowned Saxophonist, Dean Fraser, who was the guest speaker at their graduation ceremony.

CONGRATULATIONS: Saxophonist Dean Fraser, is all smiles as he presents one of the participant’s, Ashley Campbell, with her certificate of completion.

THANK YOU, FOOD FOR THE POOR: Participants in Food For The Poor’s Summer Band Camp pose with their trainers after their graduation ceremony.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK: Saxophonist Dean Fraser and Band Camp Instructor, Jeffery Brown encouraging young Larkland Brown, Flute Player, to continue his pursuit of music following the awards ceremony.