Marching into the future, the Somerset Brigade Band is actively promoting the musical education of their youngest members, one of whom is alto saxophonist Jimmy Laurin.

Jimmy, who has been playing with the band for two years, was encouraged by bandsman Reggie Tucker to join the band and has been tutored by Mr. Tucker.

Jimmy has since gone abroad to study, but plays with the band when he is on Island, and the band has continued to support his musical education financially.

The young people engaged in the band's youth programme form the Somerset Brigade Band Youth Ensemble.

Currently there are seven young people, nine to fifteen years of age, involved in the youth programme, which was initiated to give back to the community, providing something constructive for young people to do. The initiative is also intended to ensure that the band lives on for years to come.

The band is keen to have more young people join, and anyone who is interested in being a part of the Somerset Brigade Band Youth Ensemble can contact the Somerset Brigade Band at 234-0015 or Reggie Tucker at 234-0070.

Prior experience is not a pre-requisite, nor is owning an instrument, as the band does its best to supply an instrument if necessary. Band practice for the young people is held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., depending on the instrument the young person is learning to play.

Practice is led by Reggie Tucker and Maxwell Maybury, both of whom are bandsmen.

Great effort is made to involve the youth in everything that the band is involved in. The young people are participate in all aspects of the band's performance, including being on parade, touring with the band to different countries and participating in their own engagements.

Each month, the band celebrates members' birthdays, and the birthdays of the junior members are celebrated with as much enthusiasm as the birthdays of the older bandsmen.

The premise behind the programme is that the young people will develop their skills, and desire to continue playing an instrument and eventually become an adult member of the band.

This will not only help to develop character but provide the young people with a positive outlet where they are supported by the adults that are a part of the band as well as their families.

And the giving has not been one way: the young people have been a blessing to the band as their energy helps to keep the adult members of the band enthusiastic, and they breathe new life into the band.