The Alpha School of Music, with support from American Friends of Jamaica, is pleased to organize an applied workshop exploring Jamaica's unique sound system culture.
The Alpha School of Music is pleased to invite the public to an applied workshop exploring Jamaica's unique sound system culture. Hosted by Dr Dennis Howard and panelists Tony Myers (Jam One International and the Jamaica Sound System Federation) and Ronnie Jarrett (8 Miles Music and a sound system builder), the workshop will include two different sound systems set up to explore how sound has evolved in music and entertainment.
The Alpha School of Music (website) is Jamaica's only tertiary programme focused on ensemble music performance, including sound system performance and music technology.
American Friends of Jamaica (website) has been a long time supporter of the Alpha School of Music, Alpha Institute and Alpha Boys School. AFJ supports Jamaican charitable organizations and social initiatives working to improve the lives through education, health care and economic development in communities around the country.
Sound systems which originated in the fifties in Kingston established themselves as a crucial part of the music and entertainment industry. As implied by their name, the first sound systems were identified by their sound. At one time soundsystem operators could describe the shape of their sound and were able to separate the sound into multiple frequencies in order to enhance multiple, sometimes as many as seven, frequencies. This is different from a traditional public address, or PA, system which typically offers only high and low frequency modulation. Through discussion and playing music through various sound systems set up on campus, this workshop will explore the unique evolution of sound in Jamaican sound system culture and music performance.
ABOUT ALPHA INSTITUTE/Alpha School of music
Alpha's 130-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!
