A Brief History of the Albert Academy Brass Band
Vision: To be an efficient band that excels in all genres (Contemporary, Jazz and Classical)
Core Values
- Unity: Promoting a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among members.
- Passion: Fostering a love for music and a dedication to musical excellence.
- Discipline: Maintaining high standards of discipline in practice and performance.
- Respect: Encouraging mutual respect among members and towards the wider community.
- Education: Commitment to learning and developing musical skills.
- Fans Engagement: Active involvement in events and support for local initiatives.
FORMATION
It is unquestionable that the Albert Academy Brass Band earned its revered status after decades of professional music. The rich history of this dynamic institution testifies to the shared sacrifice and commitment of dedicated leaders and members. What has now grown to be a dynamic brass band that is the pride of the Academician had very humble beginnings.
The Albert Academy Brass Band was formed by Mr. Mike Sherrin, Music Teacher and Peace Corps volunteer in the 1965/66 school year. In his book entitled, “Walking in His Way, Battiloi Warritay, one of the founding members of this band described Mr. Sherrin this way:
“[He was] a short, young American who was very particular about us using the instruments wisely. We did not have a Band Leader in the early months as we were all just trying to learn different tunes. We were encouraged to begin some level of music classes but for some reason I cannot remember us learning the musical notes and reading music. So we resorted to a numbering system which allowed us to relate to the music notes.”
Batilloi Warritay eventually became the band leader in 1966/1967 School Year, a position he occupied until he left the school in 1970. He further noted that:
“The band in those days was entirely operated by the school and there was a Music and Band room where instruments were stored and retrieved as needed. We had a number of popular tunes that we became experts in playing much to the pleasure of the girls’ schools that invited us to play for them.”
TRANSFORMATIVE PERIOD FOR MUSIC AT THE ALBERT ACADEMY
The band continued to attract the Freetown populace, the musical flame was injected towards the end of the 1970s.
The years 1978 and 1979 marked a dramatic and transformative period for music at the Albert Academy, a golden era that saw the school clinch victory in the National Music Quiz Competition—a triumph that has probably remained unmatched to this day.
This period of musical excellence was ignited by the enthusiasm and dedication of the then principal, Mr. Max Alfred Bailor, and Vice-Principal, Mrs. Ada Frances Mayfield Bailor. Their commitment to fostering a vibrant musical environment rekindled the once-celebrated Albert Academy phenomenon, inspiring a new generation of students to embrace the magic of music.
This fervor was graciously supported by the then President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Siaka Probyn Stevens, an illustrious alumnus of the Albert Academy. Known for his passionate support and generosity towards his alma mater, Dr. Stevens commissioned a magnificent 36-piece brass band for the school. His visionary gesture came to life in 1979, coinciding with the school’s 75th Anniversary and Foundation Day celebrations. The inauguration of these instruments not only added a new layer of prestige to Albert Academy’s musical endeavors but also ignited a wave of excitement and pride.
The band became more attractive. Eager pupils were recruited, and the school enlisted a few police officers from the Sierra Leone Police Brass Band who provided professional training and injected a high level of discipline. The initial group of band members included individuals such as Dr. Wilfred Bankole-Gibson, Horace Dove-Edwin, Victor Janjue-Browne, Albert Trye, Banjana Bailor, Lawrence Mammah, Otis Jones, Desmond Riddle (deceased), Donald Johnson (deceased), Christian Okoro Lawson (deceased), Sanie Bangura (aka ‘Chief’), Charles Kaikai, Patrick Coker (deceased), Francis Riddle (deceased), Buffy Bailor, Plummer Bailor, Frederick Bowen-John, Cecil Jenkins, and Samuel Calendar.
The band’s performance on Thanksgiving Sunday was a monumental event. The euphoria of the Freetown populace as the players regimentally marched through the streets of Freetown, playing popular pieces like “Down Main Street,” “Home Again Special,” “Do Lord,” “Home Again,” and “Happy Wanderer,” was electrifying and captivating. The band quickly became a beloved fixture and was perpetually in high demand for engagements, thanksgiving services, funerals, and weddings.
The leadership team of the 1979 band was instrumental in laying a solid foundation for the success that the band enjoys today:
- F. B. Hamilton – Band Chairman
- Max Alfred Bailor – Band Secretary/Treasurer
- Alfred Younge – Band Leader
- Samuel K. Fakondo – Music Director
- Maurice Williams – Assistant Band Leader who designed and tailored the first set of uniforms.
- Mr. Sama – Drum Major
- Mr. Garner – Drum Major
Under their guidance, the band swiftly became a celebrated institution in Freetown. The school bus, driven by Mr. R. Alaba Pearce—fondly known as Pa Pearce—was always ready to transport members to their various engagements. Pa Pearce’s passion and love for the band were unparalleled.
In 1984, the leadership decided that the band members should manage their own affairs, leading to the election of the first student executive:
- Banjana Bailor – Band Leader
- Desmond Riddle – Music Director
- Patrick Coker (Major) – Assistant Music Director
Over the years, leadership changes continued to build on this strong foundation. Key leaders included Banjana Bailor, Samuel Calendar (deceased), Frederick Bowen-John, Victor Janjue-Browne, Joseph Cummings-Lewis, Davy Ademokula, and Mohamed Smart.
Notable Music Directors included Desmond Riddle (deceased), Frederick Bowen-John, Victor Janjue-Browne, Dennis Coker, and Berthan Caulker.