As an artform today, music can be contagious as songs spread across the world within seconds of their release on the internet. For years musicians and artistes have used the popularity of their work to share positive messages, and WPC Josanne George hopes to do the same, using her passion for music to help others.
George works as a driver for the police band but has also filled temporary roles in the band's roster, playing the cymbals, tenor drums and saxophone, while volunteering at homes introducing children to music. Speaking with WMN at the Police Training Academy, St James, on Friday, George, 33, said she was grateful to give back to communities and is optimistic that her work as a musician and volunteer is also a valuable tool in fighting crime.
An Arima native, George joked she has always had music in her blood as her father, the late Lloyd George, served as secretary for the Melodians Steel Orchestra, and learnt to read music and play the steelpan when she was only seven.
A passion for music was not the only thing her father passed on to her, as she was also encouraged to give to the less fortunate as her father was a regular volunteer at homes for the elderly.
George carried this passion for music and helping others throughout her life, encouraging others to find their own rhythm even after joining the the police service in 2010, one year after her father's death.
[caption id="attachment_924270" align="alignnone" width="731"] WPC Josanne George volunteers at homes introducing children to music. - SUREASH CHOLAI[/caption]
"My dad didn't get to see me in the police service when I passed out, he passed away from cancer in 2009.
"My mom pushes me to do my best in everything but she recently passed away this year."Despite the loss of her parents, George said the lessons learnt from them stay with her as she continues working with communities in and out of uniform.
During her early years, George was assigned to the Inter Agency Task Force's (IATF) Hearts and Minds programme where she and other officers were involved in community outreach activities to build relations with residents and the police. In this role, she was called on to give guidance and support to children further developing her interest in community-based policing.
George was later assigned as the driver for the police band in 2012, and she began experimenting with the saxophone.
"In the police band you have to be a regular (officer) but I'm there as the driver, so by me being a part of the band interacting with the musicians I picked up the saxophone when I had some free time.
"My dad used to listen to Kenny G, so I liked how it sounded. I wasn't formally taught I just learned about it through trial and error until I got some guidance from Cpl Cambridge in the police band."
While she is not yet a permanent member of the band, George said she was accepted by her fellow musicians and was impressed with their passion for music and camaraderie. Noting the extensive rehearsal sessions before performances, she added that every
