ANOTHER 130 youths participated in this year’s Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited’s ‘Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme,’ and were — last Monday afternoon — each presented with a certificate inside the Grand Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.

This initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, was first introduced to Guyana in 2010, and to date has graduated some 766 students, Culture Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony proudly pointed out during his feature address.
The programme caters for both the beginner and more experienced steel pan players, and arranging music for the pan was included in this year’s lessons. Participants and their instructors commenced this year’s activities in early July with the objectives of improving and developing playing skills through both music theory and practical lessons.

The programme was conducted during the period of July 14-26 in Regions 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), 4 (Demerara/Mahaica), 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), and 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice), and was facilitated by six instructors.
Students from the following groups participated: National School of Music Camp, North Ruimveldt Multilateral Camp, Buxton Camp, West Demerara Secondary, Wismar/Christianburg Secondary, and Tagore Secondary.

At completion of the course, participants were able to play simple pieces of music, read a simple one-line melody, and have a general understanding of the basic elements of music, and how to arrange four-part music for a steel ensemble.

At the closing ceremony held on Monday last, various groups were afforded the opportunity to provide entertainment for those in attendance, which included Republic Bank and Ministry officials, instructors and parents; and the groups were praised for their performances.

Meanwhile, the Culture Minister said his ministry was very pleased to be partnering with the bank over the years, and observed that this programme has provided an opportunity where children can learn something in music, as opposed to some years ago when none like it existed.

The Culture Minister pointed out to the students that if any one of them was serious about continuing in the music field, they can attend the National School of Music, where practical and theory are being combined, and they would have the opportunity of writing the Royal School of Music Exams there.

Dr. Anthony observed that music has been placed on the backburner in a number of schools, but he said he is still hopeful that it would become one of the subjects that students can write at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Exams.
“Some children are naturally talented and must be given the opportunity to discover their hidden talent, and hopefully we get future composers,” Dr. Anthony said.

He reminded that the Guyana Music Festival was resuscitated so that children can now attend and showcase their skills, and that the Steel Pan Competition sponsored by Republic Bank every Mashramani is still around.

Furthermore, Minister Anthony informed that the Culture Ministry would be partnering with the Lutheran Church to open a music school in New Amsterdam, but is still looking for more partnerships for this venture.

(By Telesha Ramnarine)