This morning the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony received a cheque valuing $1.3M from Republic Bank for sponsorship of the 5th Right Start Pan Minors Music Literacy programme.
This programme is seen as a feeder for the Panorama Steel Pan competition, and this year will cater to over 150 children from Regions 4, 5, 6 and 10.
Minister Anthony noted that the Ministry is pleased to have this partnership with Republic Bank who has been integrally involved in the Ministry’s steel pan competition. The Minister emphasized that the support given is viewed as an investment in young people and already the returns are evident.
This is so because of growing relationship which extends over 5 years. Minister Anthony noted that the music school offers structured training, and the school’s capacity has also been enhanced.
He indicated that the outreach programmes are important because of the fact that the music school is based in the city and does not allow for many more people to access musical training hence the importance of the outreaches.
Minister Anthony also spoke about the other camps being held by the respective museums, sports commission and PYARG which will see thousands of children benefiting.
Director of the Music School, Andrew Tyndale explained that this year the programme will be paying special attention on arrangers, these are the people who prepare the music for the pan. This aspect of the programme targets students with this ability and will empower them to assist the instructors in their respective schools.
Tyndale noted that this offering facilitates the process of continuity. He highlighted that there are several University of Guyana students who have gone through this same process and are offering their services as arrangers to steel bands.
While expressing appreciation to Republic Bank, Tyndale noted the programme stemmed from a relationship between the Ministry and the Bank to revitalize steel pan in Guyana. Coming out of this collaboration, six hundred youngsters received training in steel pan.
Tyndale highlighted that the benefits of this is evident in the growth of the existing steel bands across Guyana. In 2003 there were 3 school bands and today there are now 20 functioning steel bands programmes in several schools. These bands take part in the annual Steel Pan Competition.
Republic Bank’s representative, Jonelle Dummett pledged the Bank’s support to the continuation of steel pan development in Guyana. She noted that the Bank is pleased to give back to Guyana’s youth since it is their mission to make a difference in the communities they serve.
This programme was developed in 2010 and started off with 125 students receiving training. It has been a success and has seen significant growth over the past years. It provides the opportunity for youths to get involved in the musical art form and to have a new experience or to better their skills in steel pan music.