The Junior Voices celebrate their first birthday on December, 1973. They made their first appearance with the Steve Rhodes Voices at our Christmas Concerts at the Lagos City Hall on December 19th and 20th last, year. In this one year, in spite of problems which are fairly normal these days, the young ones have grown into relatively seasoned troupers.

The biggest problem has been holding our numbers down to manageable proportions. There has hardly been a week when no new applications come in. And in many cases, members just bring their friends or relatives who wish to join along to practices with them. What makes this problem even more difficult to handle, is the infectious enthusiasm of the children.

A certain amount of streamlining has now been introduced into the organisation of the junior voices. The age limits have now been firmly fixed. A child is eligible for membership after his/her 6th birthday providing all other conditions are fulfilled - and must leave the group immediately before his/her 12th birthday. Group discipline similar to what obtains with the senior group has been introduced and the Junior Voice's held their first democratic exercise as a group in October this year when they elected their own secretary - Bisoye Ransome-Kuti and assistant secretary - Aboyewa Kanyi

These two officers are to take care of the junior group s internal administration such as arranging and notifying members of rehearsal dates, times and venues, keeping the attendance register, ensuring that discipline is maintained at rehearsals and performances, collecting fines for dama­ge to or loss of group property, checking on and reporting the costume situation to the senior groups wardrobe mistress as and when necessary and a host of other duties.

It is our belief and hope that taking on responsibilities like these, will help in character building and give these young ones a chance of running their own affairs as a group - under the general guidance of older members.

Ten members of our Junior Voices recently made a trip with the group to, perform at the Uni­versity of Ibadan . They won the hearts of the audience, but in 'addition were so well behaved, that they deserve a mention. Their carriage on and off stage was in the true tradition of troupers and one is encouraged to hope that some of these young persons will be members of an even better version of the Steve Rhodes Voices in five or six years -time.

For now, we hope that our Junior Voices will continue to delight you.