We are very pleased to announce that through the support of Patreon donors, the inaugural Alpha Boys School Radio (ABSR) Scholarship has been awarded to Neon Witter, a first year associate degree student at the Alpha School of Music.
Alpha Boys School Radio is an online 24/7 streaming radio station playing music that features an Alpha Boys School or Alpha School of Music student on every track. 98% of ABSR listeners are outside of Jamaica but they come together using the Patreon platform to support Alpha. This year, for the first time, donations from Patreon subscribers have made it possible to provide a scholarship to a deserving Alpha student.
The Alpha Boys School Radio Patreon scholarship offers financial support covering tuition and fees while fostering hands-on experience. In addition to the scholarship, Mr Witter will gain valuable industry knowledge through a paid internship, working alongside an experienced radio technician. This a special opportunity to help prepare Mr Witter for a smooth transition from school to work.
Mr Witter, whose primary instrument is drums and began his journey at Alpha in the music programme at the Alpha trade school, is passionate about music technology and has made audio recording and production his focus. Neon is the 2022-2023 Bob Marley Foundation Scholarship recipient at the Alpha School of Music and a past winner of a Gold Medal in the national Jamaica Cultural Development Commission competition. The inaugural recipient of the Supernova International Ska Festival Award in 2023, Neon continues to break new ground this year as the inaugural Alpha Boys School Radio Scholarship Award recipient.
“Thank you to Alpha Boys School Radio Patreon donors and all the alumni who set the stage for people like me,” Neon said. “Alpha gives me the tools to keep moving forward. Alpha Boys School Radio is a big opportunity to do the work that I want to do. I am grateful to also learn from Mr Watson. The scholarship is a blessing.”
Sajay Watson is a seasoned broadcast technician and sound engineer with experience in sound reproduction as well as radio and television. He has worked with Phase 3, Main Event and RJR 94 FM. Currently Watson is a Broadcast and A/V Technician at the Jamaica Observer and Sound Engineer for Krystal Clear Productions. Watson credits Alpha with putting him on the path to career success.
“Alpha is known for its each one teach one culture,” Watson said. “As a student, [my instructor] Ms Roxanne Brown added a professional foundation that was critical and Alpha's links to the industry create a smooth pathway. I just hope to fill a similar role for Neon. I've heard Neon’s work and I am sure he will go far."
For more information about the Alpha School of Music visit www.alphamusicja.com.
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