Thirty-four pannists graduate from SHESO summer programme

The nation has received yet another injection of budding professional pannists. In a graduation ceremony held at the Sion Hill Village Hard Court on Sunday, August 31st, thirty-four youngsters officially completed their 5-week training programme under the tutelage of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra (SHESO).{{more}}

The annual steel pan programme, which ran from July 21 to August 29, normally caters for 8 to 14 year olds, but had one six-year-old in the midst this year. The 2008 graduates include: Malyka Bramble, Tameka Chance, Miracle Harry, Romel Hannaway, Amishka James, Zoviah Knights, Keneshia Llewellyn, Dwanella Mayers, J.J Nichols, Ortega Nanton, Reanaldo Primus, Kadeem Primus, Kemane Phillips, Nicholette Thomas, Anthony Williams, Makela Williams, Romalie Thomas, Gyasi Barnum, Danny Ferguson, Xyaire Howard, Kennie Isles, Kyle John, Ravito Llewellyn, Wanecia Mayers, Inesha McCloud, Izeaah Noel, Kacey-Ann Nickie, Delicia Primus, Rayvonne Rodney, Kesean Phillips, Kylah Thomas, Castopher Williams, Michael Williams and Ruth Williams.

The training programme has been running since 1995, but it was only since 2003 that the National Lotteries Authority has been sponsoring it. The main tutor of this year’s training was Mikalla Knights, currently a student at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

In his opening remarks, Warren Knights, Chairman of the SHESO, mentioned that the objectives of the summer programme were simple – to increase the membership of the SHESO with youths who are adequately trained to use the steel pan and to help the youth to channel their energy towards more meaningful activities, thereby minimising youth involvement in illegal activities. “The devil always finds work for idle hands!”, he warned. Knights congratulated the graduates on making “tremendous” effort throughout the summer programme. He further urged them to “…retain what you have learnt…”, as they make the successful transition into the junior segment of SHESO. Reminding parents and other guardians that it is no easy feat teaching young children to play the steel pan, Knights commended the tutor, Mikalla Knights, on a job well done.

Minister of Culture René Baptiste was on hand to deliver remarks. Baptiste emphasised the importance of discipline, being part of team and remaining versatile. She highlighted the rewards to be gained when individuals apply themselves and display excellence.

Moreover, Baptiste announced that there may be an introduction of an Easter-time Panorama event, and the start of a National Steel Orchestra, for which auditions will take place in October 2009.

In his remarks, Area Representative Arnhim Eustace deemed the training programme as “…very important in the development of the young people in this area.” He was of the opinion that the youth need to be developed so that they, in turn, can make a contribution to national development. “It’s not just to teach people to play pan! It is much deeper… much more important,” he affirmed. Eustace further applauded the organisers on brilliant tutoring. “You are doing a wonderful thing for your community and your country!”

Youlou Pan Representative Oneka Morgan encouraged the graduates to continue fine-tuning their skills. “I urge you not to stay at this level… this is just the introductory stage,” she declared. Morgan further reminded them that musical achievement was not the only thing to be gained from the training programme – they had also gained social skills. “You are part of a team!” she enthused.

Entertainment throughout the show was provided by the 2008 graduates, the junior segment of SHESO and the Euphonium Dancers.(JSV)