Established in 1880 as a school for wayward boys, it became renowned for both the discipline it instilled in its pupils and the outstanding musical tuition they received.

According to Dan Rich, an established singer, producer, actor, and comedian, “I loved Alpha Boys’ Home for more than one reason. The biggest was music.”

“There was Alpha Boys’ Band and this was no ordinary band, just seeing the acoustic would attract any young mind. Moreso, when you are given the chance to play these instruments. The sounds of, say the drums or guitar, give one a wake-up call that refreshes, not only our physical body but our very soul.”

“Then, to add more flavour to this experience, was the ignited faces of our instructors, all professionally bonded to serve upward and onward.”

“I loved music before, but being at Alpha Boys’ Home was way different because I was part of the band playing the saxophone. We played, just about anywhere, including the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. And, we had to be perfect in our notes in order to woo our fans.”

“Dignitaries would compliment our skills of presenting the best and these praises were endorsed by diplomats who come to Jamaica sometimes for state visits.”

“There were two favourite songs I loved to sing whenever my friends were around. One of which was an army song, words which I don’t remember very well.”

“They say that in the army the food is very fine. Skipper I want to go back to my cherry home…”

He then hustled a half-baked laughter which attested to his perhaps short memory. He also faintly remembered another song with the words: “Mi nuh walk inna posse. Mi nuh walk inna gang. Mi alone par inna one band…”

“These songs we would sing repeatedly during our leisure time. We had our duties, like washing our clothes. We were given half a blue soap, half a carbolic soap for bath, one small tube of toothpaste, and a roll of tissue for the week.”

“I came to realize that this was to teach us about budgeting and self-reliance. They taught us table-manners, including using the knife and fork, and we had to keep our rooms clean.”

“We wore short pants and T-shirts except on occasions like sports day when we represent different houses marked by different colours.”

“We were allowed to go home during holidays and parents had to confirm through letters which were approved.”

“We had to go to Sunday school, the day we wore our finest clothes. The church was a Catholic, run by Sisters of Mercy.”

But, something would have to pull Dan Rich away, even once.

“In the wake of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, I ran away from Alpha until it had passed. But, my mom brought me back and the story continues.”

(Photo contributed)