THE ATTAINMENT of 40 years of existence by Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra Inc. has been lauded by stakeholders and persons closely associated with culture in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This was expressed by all speakers who addressed last Tuesday’s press conference at the Peace Memorial Hall, as the organisation released the calendar of events to commemorate the significant milestone.

President of the Youlou Pan Movement – Rodney Small, who earned his stripes as a member of the Sion Hill Euphonium remarked, “we extend our heartiest congratulations to all those past and present who have guided, shaped and sustained this institution for 40 strong years”.

Small noted that the organisation has been a pillar of the landscape during that period.

“For four decades, the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra has been used in a lot of vibrant community work using the steel band instrument with artistic professionalism musician-ship, teamwork, and academic excellence, as core values… They continue to embrace the visionary values of the organisation’s leaders”, Small highlighted.

The cultural amassador said that despite the ridicule that the artform has had to endure, the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra Inc. has been able to fulfill its mandate.

“Island scholars, policemen and women, business owners, CEO’s, heads of departments, degree and master’s holders, just to name a few, are some of the positions of members and former members of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra in our society”, the Youlou Pan Movement-YPM president said.

Also sharing similar sentiments was Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture Carlos James who said; “I want to commend the persons behind this organisation… It is in a sense a university, because I know the Summer Programme that you host every year religiously … In fact, one of my daughters came through the training programme and I know of your commitment and your work in building a sustainable environment, the discipline you get from the arts… The discipline you get from learning this simple instrument”, James said.

Also giving plaudits to the Sion Hill Euphonium was Manager of FLOW SVG – Wayne Hull who noted that 40 years is a significant milestone.

“I would just like to reassure the members of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra that FLOW remains to this organisation and its activities”, Hull said. And chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation- Ricardo Adams, said that the existence of the Sion Hill Euphonium coincides with that of Vincy Mas as a June/ July festival- both marking the same milestone.

“That means that you guys have been an integral part of Vincy Mas over the last 40 years”, Adams reasoned.

The Ruby Anniversary celebrations of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra began last Sunday with a Thanksgiving Service at the Kingstown Methodist Church.

Last Tuesday’s press conference and a Round Table Talk later that evening, also were part on the activities.

On May 24, Whit Monday, the organisation has planned a Night Mas Walk, and in August a Beach Splash at Sion Hill Bay.

The anniversary activities will continue in September with its training programme for beginners.

A Queen of Steel Beauty Pageant is set for October, while a Sports/ Fun Day is earmarked for November.

The celebrations will culminate with a Pan Concert on December 18.

The theme for the Ruby Anniversary celebrations is “Celebrating our Culture, Preserving our Future”.

The Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra was launched on April 4, 1981.