Sion Hill Euphonium training programme unearths new ability within

The 2019 Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra’s summer training programme did not only equip 50 young persons with the basic knowledge of the steelpan, but saw the emergence of a potential arranger.

During the six weeks of the training, Christopher Waldron, one who over the years has been helping out, was given an opportunity to arrange one of the songs for the trainees.

It was an opportunity which Waldron cherished.

Christopher Waldron

“I did the song Sugar Bum Bum and I really enjoyed doing it,” Waldron said with a broad smile.

He and long-standing summer programme trainer Mikhalia Knights, were responsible for imparting the knowledge to the trainees.

Confessing that he knows music only by air, Waldron, having whetted his appetite, is looking forward to honing his skills in arranging.

Addressing the graduation ceremony, chair of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra Warren Knights noted that the annual programme is more that learning to play the various instruments.

According to Knights: “Our youth development programme has grown fruitfully and has been instrumental in making many of us to be positive forces and people of substance in the community”.

Knights added, “The Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra holds fast to the belief that we all have a role to play in positively shaping the minds of our youth, helping them to realise their potential, hone skills, and dream of possibilities beyond their present circumstances and popular culture”.

The Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra commenced its annual training programme in 1995.