It is no surprise that within the past few years there has been an increase in not only the participation but also the appreciation of steel pan music in Guyana. This is due in part to the actions of the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and one of its major supporter- Republic Bank. Last Saturday, this collaboration bore another fruit. One that will benefit many school-aged children, particularly at the secondary school level, who find themselves actively involved in steel pan concerts and competitions like the annual Pan-O-Rama. This came in the form of the launching of a magazine called “Portrait and Pan,” aimed at capturing the life of pan music in Guyana as well as its present and future endeavours.
Present was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sports who reiterated President Granger’s vision for steel pan and its advancement. His gratitude was given to Republic Bank for their support and their role in helping to increase the growth of steel pan music in Guyana.
With regard to the magazine, the PS explained that it is a valuable venture since it captures pertinent information that can be used by music students.
In his remarks, the Administrator of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall, noted that over the next five years the goal is to install 20 steelbands in schools. A few of the bands have already been bought and will be delivered to the respective schools before the end of the year.
He added that attention will also be focused on encouraging and promoting community steelbands.
All of these initiatives will, together, boost the appreciation of and participation in the art form.
In recognition of the support given to Steel Pan music, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Musical Arts Festival Committee, presented tokens of appreciation to a number of persons and organizations who have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the sustainability of steel pan.
