Magazine launched to celebrate pan music in Guyana
The Education Ministry, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport on Saturday evening launched a magazine titled “Portrait in Pan” that captures the life of pan music in Guyana.
Performers presenting a rendition at the launch
Permanent Secretary Alfred King stated that the magazine is a valuable venture since it captures pertinent information that can be used by music students.
According to King, the President had a vision for steel pan during the Jubilee celebrations, especially for the introduction of regional steel bands.
This vision was grabbed by GuyOil which started a steel band programme in Bartica. He added that over the years, Republic Bank Guyana has played a significant role in the development of steel pan music, which is evident in the Pan-O-Rama competition and the Pan Minors programme.
Administrator of the National School of Music, Andrew Tyndall, highlighted that over the next five years the goal is to install 20 steel bands in schools. He stated that a few of the bands have already been bought and will be delivered to the respective schools before the end of the year.
He noted that attention will also be in encouraging and promoting community steel bands. All of these initiatives will, together, boost the appreciation of and participation in the art form.
Meanwhile, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Musical Arts Festival Committee, presented tokens of appreciation to a number of persons and organisations who have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to the sustainability of steel pan music.
At the launch of the magazine, there was a ministeel band competition which saw participants performing classical pieces.
The first, second and third place winners were North Ruimveldt Secondary School (Pan Groove), the National Steel Orchestra, and GBTI/Buxton Steel Orchestra, respectively. The Best Conductor spot was awarded to Ray Sparman followed by Colgrain Whyte.
