What began as a fleeting dream in 1999 to create a volume that encompassed 87 years of the existence of the country's oldest brass band has finally come to fruition. In February - 12 years after he set out to accomplish this monumental task, Sean Gibson, lifelong member of the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP), finally saw the first copy of his book, "The Making of a Band: A History of the World Famous Bahama Brass Band". The 230-page book on the historic band spans the musical ministry of almost nine decades. The band, which is a staple feature of the COGOP has traveled the world and many of its historical encounters have been relayed in easy and humorous text that will capture the reader from start to finish. It was in hopes of not just writing a script that gives standard details about the band, but also captures the historic climate throughout the years along with the development of one of the oldest Pentecostal church organizations in the country that inspired Gibson to put pen to paper. "This band has a rich history that all started in 1925. It has seen so much and been through even more. It has been a beacon in the church and in our communities for decades upon decades," said Gibson. "It was important to me to create this book with the help of so many others within the band, the church and the community at large because we are now in our fifth generation of membership within the band and it's important for the younger people to have a place to reference when it comes to this group they are a part of. This book is more than a book, and I am sure people everywhere - whether a part of the church or not, will enjoy it thoroughly." The book gives a thorough account of the band's humble beginnings and how it has grown to be a thriving 100-member group that still travels the world to represent their church and country at important events. There is even documentation about the expansion of the band that resulted in the formation of the youth brass and junior brass bands. "There is so much to read about in the book. It is not just long drawn out text. There's a lot of interest, history and of course pictures in it that will make it an excellent read," said Gibson. "This book is really an achievement for the band organization. We have come a long way and we have had lots of successes, traveling and ministering the gospel through music. Many great men of the church and society have passed through the band and many young men have been, and still are mentored in the right ways through it. So it is fitting that we have a book that tells our great story." Gibson's book comes in handy not only for members of COGOP, but also for history buffs, students and people who read for entertainment. It will be a great source of information for future members of the band as well as people who just want to know about the band's origins. Young brass band groups or music students would also find value in the pages of the book as its focus is on music, the formation and expansion of the band and experiences with international exposure. "This book is also in honor of the current band director Pastor Romeo Ferguson who recently was ordained to the title of bishop at the Church of God of Prophecy's last convention. He has been instrumental in helping me to get so far with the book as were others like Bishop Elgarnet Rahming, national overseer of the church; Bishop Rudolph Bowe and Bishop Franklin Ferguson," said Gibson. Ayanna Ferguson, a music major at The College of The Bahamas expressed interest in reading the book especially to aid her in her music classes. "Music and bands have been about for a long time in The Bahamas but it is unfortunate that most of the history of all of [the bands] are not recorded. I would love to find more works by Bahamians that talk about music in our country because it is so important," said the saxophonist. "I can't wait to get a copy of it because besides being useful for my college classes, it can also be a good read since I do like history a lot. I think all young people serious about music should make an effort to read this book and any other Bahamian books about music. After all, how can you appreciate the music of the world if you don't know or appreciate your own?" The book is sold worldwide through international online sellers and distributors such as: authorhouse.com, amazon.com, barnes&noble.com, abebooks.com, alibris.com and the bookdepository.com. It is currently available in e-book format for the iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook, iPhone, iTouch, laptop and desktop. A hard copy of Gibson's "The Making of a Band: A History of the World Famous Bahama Brass Band" should be available for purchase at the Church of God of Prophecy East Street Tabernacle by the end of April, and thereafter in stores. Gibson said it is a must-have for all band lovers to learn the real history of the brass band.

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