In alignment with its mandate, the FirstRock Group has maintained its status as a caring and charitable organisation, assisting those in need through its foundation’s sponsorship of the 2022 Alpha School of Music’s Christmas Festival, which was held last week.

Patrons at the festival were serenaded with music from a diverse cross section of genres.

According to the Reverend Veront Satchell, acting chairman of FirstRock Foundation, “The Alpha Music School is an important staple in the Jamaican society and so the FirstRock Foundation is proud to partner with the institute. We are aware of how beneficial the institute is to the young people in the school and surrounding communities. Therefore, it was essential for us to assist in this cultural enhancement affair that allows these youths an outlet through which they can hone their craft.”

Satchell said this partnership has placed importance on the development of creative and performing arts for students who are so inclined, more so, the young people who are enrolled at the institute.

“The relationship between FirstRock Foundation and the institute is indicative of the foundation’s commitment to the sustainability of developing Jamaica’s culture and youth through education,” said Satchell.

He underscored that social commitment is an integral aspect of FirstRock’s mandate and argued that, as such, it is essential for the foundation to actively engage institutions and entities that are in need of assistance.

“FirstRock Foundation’s partnership is making a positive difference in the community. It was a sheer delight listening to the performances throughout the night, and with the level of talent displayed tonight, future partnership is inevitable.

“Through this partnership it is hoped that the institution will be able to expand on what it has been able to achieve thus far while further developing Jamaica’s music industry,” added Satchell.

In the meantime, Gay Magnus, band master at the Alpha Institute, lauded the FirstRock Foundation for having undertaken the initiative.

“FirstRock’s sponsorship is incredibly valuable to us here at Alpha as the youngsters are able to get the exposure they need prior to leaving school. Alpha provides a well-balanced education where these youths are able to learn valuable soft skills that allow them to be productive members of society. We could not do this without the support we’ve received from the FirstRock Foundation,” said Magnus.

He noted that operating as a non-profit organisation, the Alpha Institute relies on donations and fund-raisers to fulfil its mission.

“Whilst music education is expensive, the donations received are given back to students through scholarships and grants,” added Magnus.

According to Magnus, the vision of improving the facilities at the institute, specifically the school of music, is an ardent desire for the team at Alpha, hence, the generosity shown by the FirstRock Foundation team will allow for the school of music to move upward and onward as the school’s song suggests.