As part of preparations for the Prince of Wales School’s Centenary Anniversary and March Past Ceremony, the school’s brass band has embarked on a three-day rehearsal outreach in Mambo, on the outskirts of Freetown.
The retreat aims to provide the band with a serene environment to fine-tune their performance and rehearse an array of classical and thrilling musical pieces.
The band is set to showcase their musical talents at the Centenary Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Trinity Church and through the streets of Freetown on Sunday, April 6, 2025. This performance will be a treat for Old Princewaleans, current pupils, guests, and onlookers who will witness the grand occasion.
The spirits at the Band Rehearsal Retreat are high, with the participation of several Old Princewalean bandsmen from the diaspora. Notably, one of the band’s founding members, Princewalean Samuel Browne-Dawson from the United States, is part of the outreach. Other distinguished alumni include former Music Director Princewalean James Benka-Coker (now Music Director of Pacham Brass Band in the UK), Princewalean Cecil Dadson from Iraq, Princewalean Omodele Faulkner from the US, and Princewalean Arthur Lawson from the US. In a gesture of support, Lawson made a personal donation of musical instruments to the band.
Speaking to the media, the Band Leader, Princewalean Rev. Ing. Neilford Rose, expressed confidence in the preparations, stating that the centenary band boasts a numerical strength of over 150 musicians. He also confirmed that additional diaspora members of the band would be arriving in the coming days, bringing with them more instruments to enhance the band’s performance for the grand celebrations.
The Music Director, Princewalean Eugene O. Gabbidon, commended the high standard of musicianship within the band. He acknowledged the dedication of the present pupils who form part of the band, emphasizing their role as the future custodians of this rich musical tradition. Gabbidon expressed optimism about the rehearsals and hoped that the band would exceed expectations on the day of the event, delivering a performance that would captivate both listeners and onlookers.
The brass band is scheduled to return to the Prince of Wales School on Monday, March 31, 2025, as they finalize preparations for the much-anticipated centenary celebrations.
