MUSIC has evolved over decades of research, technology, innovation and diversity but the fundamentals of the art form were built on sure foundations and that can never change nor will it die.

This is according to Guyana Police Force (GPF) Director of Music, Senior Superintendent Charmaine Stuart, who, on Wednesday, was presented with a framed portrait of former Director of Music, retired Senior Superintendent, Leon Waddell.

Waddell, who played the Trombone, enlisted as an apprentice in the then British Guyana Militia Band on October 18, 1943, and quickly rose through the ranks and served well.

After becoming a bandsman on October 6, 1951, Waddell quickly moved through the ranks, becoming director of music in 1980.

The presentation, which was done by Waddell’s daughters, Sharon and Dalia, to Senior Superintendent Stuart was welcomed with greetings of joy and appreciation, preceded by musical renditions from the Police Military Band.

The director of music, who recently received the Force’s ‘Best Cop’ award, expressed appreciation while acknowledging the contributions of the retired senior superintendent.

Quite visible was the solemn atmosphere the tunes created as the daughters of the now-retired director of music, who were accompanied by their spouses, listened and expressed sentiments reminiscent of a time which most members of the band today may not know.

The portrait, a depiction of a younger, uniformed and focused officer, will be placed among other pictures of past directors of music and will be part of a collection of artefacts dating back to the birth of that section of the Force.