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Not to toot their own horns… But being a fixture in Jersey’s celebrations since 1970, this group is uniquely placed to consider how the island has changed over the years.
The Jersey Scout Band was originally made up of a small group of Scouts from the 2nd Jersey on bugles and drums. Almost 50 years on – and with one of the founding members now leading proceedings – the band has now moved on with bell lyres and trumpets joining the drums.
From small beginnings, they’ve gone on to represent the island performing at locations ranging from the Queen’s Windsor home to Disneyland Paris… and the Battle of Flowers, of course.
Pictured: The musical group have represented Jersey on the international stage.
At the moment, they’re busy looking for new recruits to learn and practice an instrument at their Kenneth Faucon Hall home on Rue de Pres, as well as raising funds to allow them to continue making music. They are aiming to raise £2,000 help subsidise costs for those within the band who cannot afford trips via their JustGiving crowdfunding page, with any additional funds going towards new instruments.
Amid a busy time, however, they briefly pressed pause on practice to share the ways they’d improve the island with Express…
It’s simple: without volunteering, many organisations (including our own) wouldn’t survive. Mick and Christine have put in over 50 years into scouting, and lead drummer Andrew also recently received a long service award. Without their commitment and dedication, the band would never survive. We teach others music and the value of the satisfaction of personal and group musical achievements for no material gain other than our own enjoyment and satisfaction.
Pictured: The band itself relies on volunteers to run, and is aware how important it is to keep Jersey bright.
It’s not just youth organidations that benefit from the support of individuals - many areas of Jersey’s support services are reliant on the good nature and generosity of individuals willing to offer their time, support and experience. But we need more people willing to offer up their time, to help rebuild and reinforce a more sustainable community spirit here in Jersey.
We have become acutely aware of the ongoing issues with the lack of affordable housing due to losing members from the band whose families have left for the mainland due to rising costs of living here in Jersey.
Pictured: Simply having a place to live shouldn't cripple families, the band say.
We recognise the struggles that many families have trying to make ends meet and the additional strain that rents making up more than two thirds of individuals income has. We try to help out in what ways we can by offering free musical tuition outside membership fees and subsidies to band members for trips through fundraising.
Not everyone is a great academic, and young people are struggling within the current system.
Pictured: What if a student's interests aren't purely academic? The band thinks the education system should explore and promote other areas, like music, which can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. (Gavin Whitner/MusicOomph.com)
Introducing more music into the education of our young people not only changes the focus of learning for a less analytical environment but it has also been shown to have a positive impact on mental health.
Scouting is about being inclusive, and we pride ourselves in being able to offer one of the most researched and evidenced methods of engagement and inclusion, music.
Pictured: The Scout Band says it's all about inclusivity and diversity, as the arts and music are able to be accessed by all - and they'd like to see this mentality employed by all islanders.
There are many young people for whom climbing, shooting or water sports are not engaging or not even physically possible, but music is the one universal enterprise, crossing the barriers of language and ability. We all need to remember that were all the same underneath.
As a group that regularly travels off-island representing Jersey, we are heavily reliant on the transport providers - particularly the ferries given that we have lots of instruments to transport.
Pictured: The cost of travelling - whether by sea or air - can be "make or break" for some, the Jersey Scout Band believes.
We have been fortunate up to this point not to have suffered any major disruptions. However, the cost can be a make or break for some members, despite the subsidies we aim to offer.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the authors, and not of Bailiwick Express.
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