The Alpha School of Music is host to the world’s only formal training in the fundamentals of Jamaican sound system performance. Sound systems are the foundation of the Jamaican music industry, the living laboratory where many of the musical milestones were developed and a community institution that has been called “the talking Gleaner” and “the Voice Of the People” due its civic role in the society.
Sound systems first emerged in downtown Kingston in the 1950s. Sister Ignaitius even bought one for Alpha and past students from Johnny Osbourne to Ilawi to Winston Foster credit ‘Sister’s sound’ with playing a part in their career development. Consisting of large portable speaker cabinets, exclusive performance styles and a loyal following, sound systems quickly spread uptown and around the world.
Sound system culture today is not what it once was but it is still a critical part of the Jamaican entertainment landscape and its popularity continues to grow overseas. Alpha’s Introduction To Sound System Performance instructors, Ronnie Jarrett and Dr Joshua Chamberlain, say Alpha’s sound system course ensures Jamaica will be part of the international scene going forward.
“We don’t know what will happen in the future but we are certain about what’s happening now,” says Mr Jarrett. “We are seeing a rapid rise in sound system appeal globally so if only for that reason, Jamaica should not be left behind.”
Students at Alpha learn the skills needed to set up, operate, troubleshoot and perform on a sound system. Chamberlain says the training will do what it has done for sound system participants for generations – make Alpha students more employable.
“The sound system is a tool for both the creative and technical minded people,” said Chamberlain. “There is something for everyone. Musicians, producers, engineers, vocalists and so many more professions. With the training and access to Alpha’s sound system, Mutt & Jeff Disco, students not only gain marketable skills but will be more likely to contribute to the development of the music and culture overall.”
Alpha Boys School Radio and Jamaica Nice. Present:
Before reggae, dancehall and ska, sound systems ruled the island. Click here to watch.
