AS part of an on-going programme to have music in schools, the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport handed over two sets of steelpans to the Berbice High School and President’s College. Andrew Tyndall from the National Dance School during the brief handing-over ceremony, explained that this programme has been in progress for the last four years. Through the programmes offered by the National School of Music he said that over 700 students have been trained in the steelpan art form.
The schools are also given the opportunity to compete in the annual Panorama Steelband Competition held during the Mashramani celebrations. Tyndall emphasised that “having the instruments in the schools helps to enrich the students’ education.”
Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, lauded the work of the National School of Music and said that it is her hope that this programme will be continuous.
Recently, the minister received a cheque from Republic Bank for sponsorship of the Pan Minors Music Literacy programme. Through this programme, hundreds of children are exposed to the wonders of the steelpan.
Tracey Helligar, Head Mistress of Berbice High School, expressed appreciation to the ministry for the donation. She noted that donation of the pans is timely as the school recently added Theatre Arts to its curriculum.
Additionally, the teachers of the school have expressed interest in learning to play the steelpan. Berbice High will be celebrating its 100th anniversary next year; as such, the steelpans are a welcome addition.