Yardedge reports that on Monday, February 15, 2010 JARIA (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) will co-host an open day and Jam Session at the Alpha Boys School. See the piece below:

JARIA has been asked to assist the school with contributions of ‘previously loved’ musical instruments, or assistance with scholarships for 12 young men to sit the Royal Schools of Music exams. Instruments needed include any and all types of wind instruments, violins, keyboards, and stands, drum trap sets, guitar amps and bass amps.

Alpha Boys School has played an integral part in laying the foundation for the current strength of Jamaican music. Greats like Bertie King, Don Drummond, Tommy McCook, Carlos Malcolm, and a host of others are all from the Alpha Boys family.

Alpha Boy’s School continues to contribute to Jamaica’s musical enrichment by the care and training that is being given to its youngsters. Currently, the School is home to 130 boys ranging in age from 7 to 18 years many from broken homes and traumatic family situations. It goes without saying that the School is in need of assistance in several spheres of its operation.

If you can assist the School in any way (but especially by donating instruments), please contact Andrea Bryan at (876) 817-1988 or Charles Hyatt, Jr. at (876) 344-3065.

For photo of Kevin Batchelor (The Skatalites) and full article, see http://www.yardedge.net/music/alpha-boys-school-needs-your-help-especially-instruments

Also see the Alpha Boys School site at http://www.alphaboysschool.com/