Three new corporate entities have thrown their financial support behind six-time senior panorama champions – the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra.

The trio — Columbus Communications, National Properties Ltd and Digicel — were unveiled as sponsors last Monday at a media conference held at the band’s pan-yard.{{more}}

Chair of the Sion Hill Euphonium organization Warren Knights said it was critical that the band gets the assistance as they embark on making it “seven in a row.”

Knights assessed that it would require approximately $40,000 to turn out both the senior and junior bands at this year’s panorama competitions, hence the need for inputs from business houses.

“It is no easy task to bring a band; this is why I am very pleased when I see sponsors coming on board and companies offering assistance to us… We know these are hard times and funds in any large sums are difficult to come by, so we will appreciate any small mercies we get from the sponsors… We thank you all for sharing with our vision and being very good corporate citizens,” Knights said.

Expenses to be incurred by the band include paying the arranger and tuner, who are both from Trinidad and Tobago.

Other expenses include support for players who come to play with the band from the twin-island republic, the purchase of uniforms and mending and replacement of instruments, among others.

Knights added, “There are also small costs involved, including the transportation of players after practice at nights, the welding of racks and the provision of refreshments at certain times.”

The band’s chair said apart from the three new enterprises, already on board are Arabesque Inc Shipping, Right Stuff, the St Vincent Brewery Ltd, ECGC, CK Greaves and Company and Massy United.

Speaking at the launch, Corey Garrett of Columbus Communications said his company was pleased to be associated with the Sion Hill organization.

Garrett noted that Sion Hill is one of the most active communities in St Vincent and the Grenadines, lauding their achievements in sports, culture and the arts.

“Now it is a necessary fit, that the steel band will be something we will want to participate in.”

He said one his company’s main goals is to enable and develop nation building through community development.

Meanwhile, Leroy Llewellyn, who spoke on behalf of National Properties Ltd, said his organization is very proud to be associated with the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra. Llewellyn said that he envisaged that in the “not too distant future,” his company would be the title sponsor of the Sion Hill Euphonium.(RT)