In Memoriam: Retired Music Director of Barbados Police Service Band Dr. Christopher Archibald Atherley Passes Away at 77

Retired music director of the Band of The Barbados Police Service Dr. Christopher Archibald Atherley has passed away at the age of 77.

Dr. Atherley Joined the Band in December 1963 at the age of 17, where he was assigned the Tuba. He was promoted to the rank of Constable in 1965 and assigned the number PC # 89. Dr. Atherley later transitioned to the Clarinet in 1966, which he mastered.

It was through dedication and hard work that Dr. Atherley was made a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music London (L.R.S.M.) in Clarinet playing in 1973.

He was admitted a Licentiate of Trinity College of Music, London (L.T.C.L.) in Clarinet Teaching 1974, and in 1976 he was made a Fellow (F.T.C.L.) of the same college in the Art of Performance.

Apart from developing his performing skills, he has studied and mastered the discipline of Music itself. He is an Associate of the London College of Music, London (A.Mus. L.C.M) in Theory and Composition, 1979. Having been introduced to conducting with the St. Mary’s Church Augmented Choir and Combermere Cadet Band, he started the Barbados Regimental band in 1974 and was its first Honorary Director. His first formal lessons in conducting were under Dr. Alexander Brott at McGill University, Montreal in 1979.

During that time he was made a Licentiate of Trinity College of Music London (L.TC.L) in Military Bandmastership. In 1980 S/Supt. Atherley graduated from Concordia University, Montreal with the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) with Distinction and 1981 obtained the Master of Music degree (M.Mus) in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Regina, Saskatchewan. In 1987 he was made a Doctor of Philosophy, (PhD) in Music, Carolina Christian University.

Mr. Atherley also played the violin and was a member of the Barbados Chamber Orchestra. In November 1991, Dr. Atherley was promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent and appointed Director of Music of the Royal Barbados Police Force Band. He toured with the Band and represented Barbados and the Force across many countries with Distinction. He retired in 2012 after 49 years of service.

Archibald Atherley was this country’s longest serving Director of Music, which spanned 21 years (1991 – 2012). In 2014 on the occasion of our 125th Anniversary, he was awarded for his 49 years of stellar service to the Band, Force and People of Barbados. (PR)