STRENGTHS
Large Membership: A very large and enthusiastic membership, mainly composed of youth and school-going pupils from Albert Academy.
Passion for Music: Members exhibit a strong willingness to learn and a passion for music.
Strong Administration: The band benefits from a robust administrative structure
Reliable Music Department: There is a dependable music department supporting the band.
Unity and Friendship: Members are united by a strong sense of love and friendship.
Supportive founding and senior members: These members are always prepared and willing to share their experiences with the executive and membership.
Discipline and Respect: High levels of discipline and respect among the members.
WEAKNESSES
Inadequate Instruments and Equipment: The current stock of instruments and accessories does not meet the needs of the large membership.
Small Band Room: The band room is too small for proper storage and practice
Insufficient Practice Space and Poor Lighting: The practice space is inadequate and suffers from poor lighting, particularly during the rainy season.
Transport Issues: Challenges in transporting instruments and players to and from events
Lack of Office Equipment: The band lacks essential office equipment like cupboards, printers, and laptops.
Standard Recording: Equipment: Absence of standard recording equipment hampers the band’s ability to produce high-quality recordings
OPPORTUNITIES
Community Support: Opportunities to engage with other donors for support through donations, fundraising events, and sponsorships.
Technological Advancements: Leveraging technology for virtual practice sessions and online fundraising campaigns.
Grants and Sponsorships: Availability of grants and sponsorships from arts and cultural organizations.
Partnerships: Forming partnerships with local businesses, schools, and cultural institutions for mutual benefit
Exposure and Growth: Opportunities for exposure through performances at local, national, and international events which can lead to growth in membership and recognition
THREATS
Financial Constraints: Perennial financial constraints that affect the acquisition of instruments and other necessary equipment.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Unpredictable events such as economic downturns or public health crises (e.g., pandemics) that could disrupt activities and funding
Maintenance Costs: The high cost of maintaining and repairing instruments and equipment.
Lack of Standard Recording Equipment: Mobile phones are generally used for recordings, thus affecting their eventual production.
Member Retention: The potential challenge of retaining members as they graduate or move on to other commitments.
Competition: Competition from other bands and musical groups in the area.
PROACTIVE INTERNAL MECHANISM TO SURMOUNT SOME CHALLENGES
Perhaps the most challenging situation is insufficient instruments and accessories which could be attributed to several reasons. There is an ever-growing number of the membership of the band. Furthermore, there are always faulty instruments which deteriorate due to age, storage and inadequate means of transportation.
The above is addressed by seeking donations from the membership of the band, generous alumni of both the school and the band and organising fundraising events (Annual Band Service, Inter Hall Competition and Annual Christmas Concert).
Another challenge is the inadequate size of the band room. The current band membership has outgrown the size of the band room as it is very challenging to properly store available instruments and accessories.
Current band members who are engineers would soon complete an assessment and the report would be submitted to the Board of Governors of the Albert Academy through the school administration for necessary action to be taken.
Another major challenge is the transportation of instruments and players during engagements.
The use of ‘kekeh’ to transport instruments has led to further destruction of instruments. The Band Leader has graciously rendered assistance in this area by making his private vehicle available to transport some players and instruments.
Furthermore, there is the problem of securing of equipment in a make shift area for rehearsals.
Since there was no designated space allocated for practice, the band has been using the area allotted to traders at the school. Though this area was electrified early last year, all the cables and lamp holders were eventually stolen.
The above challenge has been addressed by the installed solar light and a 3.5 KVa generator, and mostly we rely on the installed solar lights.
The school has also been utilising chairs meant for the band room. The above was addressed by purchasing eleven benches for practices and an additional eight would soon be procured.
The band needs essential administrative operational tools such as cupboards, computers, photocopiers, printers, ipads, hard drives, pen drives, laptops, laminating machines etc. A desktop computer and printer were donated to the band over the years.
CONCLUSION
Today, the Albert Academy Brass Band stands as a testament to the legacy of its founders, principals, and alumni. Their vision and dedication have created an enduring institution that continues to inspire and elevate the musical talents of its members, ensuring that the band remains a formidable force in Sierra Leone and beyond.