The Eleuthera Music Masters Christmas Recital hosted at the Rock Sound Methodist Church on Wednesday evening, December 17th, 2025, showcased weeks of practice and preparation by the young high schoolers involved in the Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS) band, and the Eleuthera Music Masters band program – a music instruction collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) community policing team, with band director Sergeant Rudolph Pratt, and PHAHS music teacher, Mrs. Michelle Kemp, and other volunteers.
The heartwarming event, which brought together parents, church and extended family members, as well as members of the wider community, for an evening of seasonal music during the final week before the Christmas holiday, featured full band presentations, instrumental solos and duets, congregational singing, voice solos, liturgical dance, drum performances, spoken word selections, and also a fun narration of ‘Twas the night before Christmas’.
Island-wide renown Bishop Bradley Ferguson moderated the festive Recital, and rendered a Christmas-themed guitar solo of his own, with ‘When a child is born’, while keeping the program going at an exciting clip.
Mid-program, Sergeant Frederick Anderson, speaking on behalf of the RBPF’s community policing initiative, brought remarks to the attentive audience. He first acknowledged the ‘driving force’ behind the Eleuthera Music Masters band, Sergeant Pratt, saying, “I know Sergeant Pratt, and you must know a few things about him. He doesn’t take no easily, and once he has a vision, you’re going to hear about it. A lot… His passion for young people is real. The initiative didn’t just happen. It was pushed, chased, and sometimes probably forced into existence by Sergeant Pratt. And because of his persistence, look at what we’re witnessing tonight.”
Anderson continued, encouraging the young people, who bravely took part, and put in the effort to make the night possible, saying, “Tonight is not just a Christmas recital. Tonight is a reminder of what happens when a community like Eleuthera comes together with one goal, protecting and uplifting our youth… Music is powerful. It teaches discipline without shouting. It teaches teamwork without force. It teaches patience, especially when that note refuses to come out. Being a part of a band means showing up early, staying late, practicing when you’d rather be on your phone or with your friends. Our young people, let me tell you something. If you can master an instrument, you can master life. At the Royal Bahamas Police Force, we often meet young people at the worst moment in their lives. But initiatives like this, this ensures that we meet you before trouble ever finds you. Idle hands get curious, Idle minds get influenced. But structured programs like this keep the youth focused, confident, unaccountable. When you’re busy learning music, you’re too busy for nonsense.”
He added, “Some of you are nervous, some of you are excited, and some of you were hoping your part comes and goes pretty quick. But, you are choosing discipline over distraction, purpose over pressure. And that choice already puts you ahead in life. The Royal Bahamas Police Force sees you and believes in you… Today, policing is not only about enforcement. It’s about engagement, mentorship, and prevention. This partnership between the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Preston Albury High School parents, and the wider community is an example of what community policing can do when done right. This is how we garner safer communities and we build it together.”
As the recital neared its closing, Mrs. Kemp, in the vote of thanks, recounted the enthusiasm and dedication each of the students taking part had as they were volunteering to do an item, and putting in the practice to perfect their performances. She called out each member of the band, highlighting their strengths, praising their character, and expressing her personal pride in each one of them. Parents were also deeply thanked for their patience and for entrusting their children to the program, particularly noting the long hours.
Sergeant Pratt, also remarking briefly, emphasized that while people see the finished performance, they don’t always see the hard work and effort that goes into it, including travel and extensive practice. He encouraged the students to be proud of their achievements, as they received a rousing applause.
