Renowned musician - Lloyd Hall is dead

Renowned musician and music educator Lloyd Hall is dead. 

He died in Kingston on Tuesday at age 87.

Hall  who recently suffered a heart attack,had an illustrious career in music which spanned more than 50 years.

His contribution to the development and appreciation of  music in Jamaica began shortly after his return from the Royal School of  Music in 1949. 

He taught for many years at both Mico and Shortwood teachers' colleges, before taking up an appointment with the Ministry of  Education, becoming the first Music Officer.

Hall was later  mandated to organize a structured programme in all primary and secondary schools teaching the rudiments of  music, singing, establishing percussion bands and other skills.

Hall made his mark not only as a conductor but a composer, having written the music for the well known "Jamaica Land of Beauty".

When he retired from the Ministry in 1983, he had published four songbooks, compilations of songs for primary and secondary schools.

Over the years, Hall also presented programmes of classical music both at the St Andrew's Scots Kirk and the University Chapel.

He was well known for his children's choirs of massed voices which included conducting a 1,000-voice choir at the National Arena at a National Children’s Rally which was attended by Queen Elizabeth.

Lloyd Hall awarded the Order of  Distinction Commander Class in 2005.

In 2008 he retired as conductor of the St Andrew Singers.