Former Director of Music of the Band of the Royal Barbados Police Force, Keith Mcdonald Ellis, passed away on Tuesday.
Ellis, 72, who reached the rank of senior superintendent, was appointed director of music in December 2013 on the retirement of predecessor Dr Christopher Atherley.
A tribute from current director Andrew Lynch on behalf of serving and retired members of the Band of the Barbados Police Service, said over the years, Ellis distinguished himself as “one of Barbados’ most talented musicians and contributed to many National and State engagements”.
“He served in the Force as an investigator for some time before returning to the Band. He has toured many times with the Band all over the world and has kept the legacy started over 135 years ago in 1889 alive and steadfast as Director of Music.”
In an interview with The Nation, Ellis said he first saw the police band playing in 1963 at the St Thomas District Hospital
“I vowed I had to be one of those bandsmen. I went home and painted a picture of a bandsman playing an instrument and I had it stuck on my door.”
He joined the band in June 1996 at age 14 as a trumpeter, but it was not easy going.
“I did not know B from bull foot about music. I remember when I went to the Police Band I began to talk about Doh and Rey and Me and Fah, and my instructor said ‘carry that rum shop music back to St Thomas. We don’t use that here’.”
But the band honed his talent, and from trumpeter, he also picked up the trombone, and was a member for 45 years
On September 19, 1970 he was promoted to police constable and assigned the number 757 after successfully completing initial training at the Regional Police Training Centre. He rose through the ranks as sergeant, station sergeant and inspector.
Ellis also played in the Telcos, Fantastics, the Organisation, Blue Rhythm Combo and Checkmates.
Many would also remember him as Director of the National Cultural Foundation’s Festival Band. He also served as band leader for Conquerors, Untouchables and the Experience calypso tents. (SAT)
