Sion Hill Euphonium training programme hits 900 mark

The most recent batch of trainees to graduate from the annual training programme of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra has brought to 900, the number of people who have been taught to play plan under the programme.

Since 1995, the steel orchestra has been running the programme and last Sunday, 46 persons graduated, after completing a six-week course.

The trainees were introduced to various instruments by tutor Mikalla Knights.

At the graduation ceremony, held at the Sion Hill Village hard court, the 46 trainees meshed their talents with their renditions in the presence of their parents, friends, invited guests and other well-wishers.

Other than learning to play the instruments, for the first time, this year’s trainees were taken on three field trips. This exercise included a tour of the Vermont Nature Trail, as well as visits to the Richmond Vale Academy and the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies.

At last Sunday’s graduation ceremony, the standout attendees were rewarded for the areas in which they excelled. Receiving the Most Disciplined Trainee award was Kironique Thomas, with the Most Outstanding Trainee being Kyshana Alexander. The Most Promising trainee award went to Keanu Providence.

Three other trainees, J’tsi Yon Simmons, Chante Garrick and Jomiyah Francis, were rewarded as being exemplars.

Students of the band who were successful at this year’s CSEC examinations were given tokens, compliments the orchestra.

The Sion Hill Euphonium copped the Junior Panorama title this year.(RT)