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With a donation of musical instruments valued at close to J$2 million, sweet and melodious music for social transformation will very soon begin to echo from several talented young men and women of the Cornwall Courts Citizens Association's community band.

The musical instruments, which consisted of trumpets, flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, and an assortment of percussion instruments, were presented to the group by St James Central caretaker Andre Hylton and Salt Spring Councillor Sylvan Reid during the association's recent monthly meeting.

Speaking with the WESTERN STAR following the presentation, Hylton said that with the donation, the young musicians could begin to formulate a career in the entertainment industry.

"This donation was made possible through several sponsors ... and they come at a time when St James is having social challenges that need to be tamed. Therefore, it is our hope that with this community band, we will be able to help stem the rise in behaviour problems," said Hylton.

"Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and happiness to life. As such, we are confident that it will stimulate the mind into positive thinking and provide a platform for many of these children in Cornwall Courts through their community band."

Floyd Hitchman, president of the Cornwall Courts Citizens Association, expressed gratitude for the instruments as the community band had been appealing for help for some time, without success.

'We have a steel pan corps, and these instruments will further complement what we already have. These youngsters will also be provided with academic support, and we intend to expand the programme as far as is humanly possible to reach everybody," said Hitchman.