38 graduate from Sion Hill Euphonium training exercise

Last Sunday, August 31, marked the formal conclusion of the annual training programme conducted by the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra, in which new pannists were introduced to the art of playing the steel pan.{{more}}

Having started in 1995, this year was the twentieth occasion in which the training programme was carried out.

With financial backing this year provided mainly by the Mustique Charitable Trust, the 2014 progamme released 38 people who have acquired the basic skills in playing the instrument.

The programme, conducted by Rodney Small and Angelique Fitz-Patrick, both of whom are products of the annual training exercise, saw the participants, over the six-week period, also being schooled in the theory of music.

The result of their training was exposed at the twelfth graduation ceremony, which took place at the Sion Hill Village hard court last Sunday, when the new- found talents were given an opportunity to showcase their wares.

An original composition, which Small named “Rolls and Phrasing”, as well as Elvis Presley’s “Only Fools Rush In” and Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”, were the songs that the audience enjoyed from the graduates.

Among those on show was four-year old Zephan Knights, the youngest person to be trained by the band over the years.

The graduates all received certificates, whilst others who excelled during the training period were presented with gifts.

Dominique Gittens was awarded the prize for being the most disciplined player and Nehemiah Gittens, the most outstanding male player. Theressia Hunt was adjudged the most improved graduate, with Shaqueena Chambers collecting the award for most outstanding female graduate.

Likewise, the junior members of the band, who were successful at national and regional exanimations, were awarded with gifts for their efforts.

Plaques were also presented to the Mustique Charitable Trust, the St Vincent Brewery, Right Stuff, Arabesque Shipping, Sunrise Supermarket and United Insurances, all who, in a significant way, assisted the Sion Hill Euphonium’s participation in both the junior and senior panorama competitions this year.

The well-received afternoon also involved two cultural items, with Shannique Browne singing Mariah Carey’s “Hero” and Keisha Johnson performing a religious skit.

The Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra is into its 33rd year of existence.(RT)