Tutorial High School receives steel pans

…seeks to create rounded individuals

Tutorial High School on Friday received a spanking new steel pan set and other equipment, which were donated to the school by the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.
The steel pans and accessories were acquired at a cost of US$5000 to assist the students in pursuing music. According to Deputy Head Teacher of the institution, David Sam, this contribution is timely since the school is seeking to incorporate extracurricular activities with academics. In addition to a steel pan orchestra, they will be restarting a school choir.
He stated that the introduction of these instruments will allow children to take up positive activities during their spare time instead of resorting to crime, drugs and other social ills.
“I believe in a child that is not only academically there but has a rounded personality with the academics, the arts and academics and all of these things. My goal for Tutorial High School is to produce children who can fit into society irrespective of what is their career area,” he said.
According to Sam, the students are encouraged to take up activities in sports and the arts which will influence their personal growth. In the past, they have produced athletes and other outstanding individuals.
“We encourage children to take up activities out of the classroom. We have children in debates, a female football team that we’re working on, the male footballers. We encourage children to be in cricket, and may I say that we have a child right here who is a national Under 15 cricketer.”
The Deputy Head Teacher indicated that he was previously stationed at the Dolphin Secondary School, where steel pan was a critical component for students.
“I recognised that there was need for a steel orchestra. I was at Dolphin Secondary and I saw what it did for them and I want the same for Tutorial High School so we’re moving in that direction,” Sam explained.
Meanwhile, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton posited that with this new equipment, Tutorial High School will now be able to join the steel pan competitions next Mashramani. Along with the newly introduced steel pan, the school has been active in debate competitions and other sports like football.
The school is yet to receive other components of the steel pan setup, which will be distributed shortly. On Friday, the school was visited by the West Demerara Secondary School, which is well known for its orchestra.