Craighton Primary School , Redlight, St Andrew was the host for the official launch of the StrawberryHill Music Club which is to be permamently housed at the school. Inspired by Chris Blackwell, Jonathan & Paula Surtees created the Music Club (SHMC) funded from part proceeds of the Feb: 6th 2008, 63rd celebration of Bob Marley’s Birthday.

Jamaica has a rich heritage of music and culture, yet with today’s new technology and ease of digital music production and programmed rythms, the art of playing musical instruments is slowly dying. It is the Strawberry Hill Music Club’s intent to ensure that all young people from the community understand and appreciate the authentic sounds and harmonies of these instruments. 

The SHMC has purchased a Tornado 5 piece professional drum set with stool, cymbals and 5 sets of sticks and 2 congo drums. Strawberry Hill wishes to thank Catherine’s Peak Water who donated a bass guitar with amps and Music Mart who not only donated 2 acoustic guitars (one electric), and two tambourines, but also made sure that we purchased good quality products.

A firm pledge was made from Mrs Ralston who stated that the Ministry will set up the curriculum and provide books and materials associated with the subject. Additionally the provision of a permanent teacher would be looked at as the club matured. “This school reminds me of my youth” reminisced Mrs Ralston, “when the community, the government, the school and corporate Jamaica all bonded together. This is where we wish to be again today” Mrs Green gave an eloquent speech reciting the history of Strawberry Hill’s involvement with Craighton, from the provision of a dance teacher to how, a year later, those students performed at the Bob Marley Celebration at Strawberry Hill and then for the Prince of Wales at Hollywell. They both wanted the students not only to study music but also to learn to read, write, compose and maybe one day, to teach music.

Our vision is to revive interest in playing musical instruments incorporating a musician’s natural capability to write and compose. To this end, instructions will begin with volunteers from Strawberry Hill staff, Mr B Adams - bass guitar and Mr Fitzgerald – drums, who will each give lessons one afternoon per week.

Attended by all the eager students, Principle Mrs Green, Jonathan & Paula Surtees of Strawberry Hill, Mrs E Ralston Regional Director of Area 1 in the Ministry of Education, Mrs L Welch Education Officer, Mr C Brown of the Citizens’ Association, Mrs Lynch and other members of the School Board, Members of the PTA and Teachers and Strawberry Hill Managers Maxene McPherson, Tanisha Henry, EveraldThomas and PA Shanize Stewart.