Historically, Jamaican music has relied on brass instruments. The Alpha School of Music (ASOM) recently hired Leon Ince to ensure it stays connected to its brass-roots.
The Alpha School of Music (ASOM website) is very pleased to introduce its new brass instructor, Leon Ince. A multi-instrumentalist whose primary instrument is the trombone (he also plays saxophone, keyboard and enjoys singing), Leon Ince arrived in Jamaica recently from his native Trinidad and Tobago. After studying sociology at the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, he attended New Zealand’s University of Waikato and returned to UWI to complete his undergraduate degree with Honours in Musical Arts.
The Alpha School of Music is honoured to have him on campus. "Brass music is integral to Jamaican popular music," says Alpha's Bandmaster, Gay Magnus, "especially ska and reggae. However Jamaica has lost many brass players to migration. The Alpha School of Music is looking forward to having Leon Ince and his teaching talents on staff full-time."
In addition to teaching brass applied music and Caribbean Music Ensemble, Ince brings to Alpha years of experience as member of the Trinidad and Tobago Steel and Brass Symphonic Orchestra, the UWI Wind Ensemble and as a workshop facilitator for the Trinidad and Tobago Jazz Festival. The Alpha School of Music shares an interest in all of these music genres and formats and our students will benefit from Ince's presence at 26 South Camp Road.
"I’m looking forward to producing more brass players here at the Alpha School of Music," said Ince, "especially trombone players because I’m a trombonist myself. It’s going to be a really good year at the Alpha School of Music!"
The addition of Mr Ince to Alpha's music staff affirms its commitment to being a creative hub where young musicians are trained to prosper in the contemporary music industry while exploring and developing indigenous music. Bandmaster Gay Magnus says Alpha's investment in brass teaching is unique.
"Today music educators are asked to teach all families of instruments," Magnus says "Music education is critical to Jamaican culture, economy and identity and we are very grateful to Alpha’s donor community for making the addition of Mr. Ince possible.”
ABOUT ALPHA BOYS SCHOOL/ALPHA INSTITUTE
Alpha's130-year tradition of music education has produced jazz innovators, ska pioneers and reggae icons. We are excited to offer a meaningful and innovative music training curriculum to youth today. We need your help to make it possible. Thank you for your support!
