43 graduate from Sion Hill Steel Orchestra’s Summer Programme

The Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra (SHESO), has added another 43 pan players to its membership.

And, last Saturday September 4, the new players put their new skills on display when the steel orchestra staged the graduation ceremony for its 27th annual Summer training programme.

Held at the Sion Hill hard court, the ceremony heard remarks from officials representing the government, sponsors, as well as the parliamentary representative.

Among those who addressed the ceremony was president of the Youlou Pan Movement, Rodney Small a former member and junior band arranger of the SHESO.

Highlighting some of the accomplishments of the steel orchestra since its formation in 1981, Small noted that the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra Juniors “were the first to enter the OECS Caribbean junior panorama competition in Dominica…The Sion Hill Euphonium travelled to Canada performing at one of the biggest malls in the world… [and the] Sion Hill Euphonium was one the first Steel Orchestra’s to host an adult training programme”. Small also recounted that the now 40 year old steel band entered the annual Vinlec Junior Pan Festival with “two different steel orchestras and for years, had the largest junior band in competition”.

He noted that it was the Sion Hill Euphonium that started the exchange programme of Trinidad arrangers and players coming to St Vincent and the Grenadines and players going to Trinidad and Tobago to play for bands there in their Panorama Competition.

Small also lauded the tenacity and resilience of the members of the SHESO, who for many years had to practise in a leaking, galvanize shed, but persevered and now have a comfortable pan yard.

Apart from Small, Chairman of SHESO, Warren Knights; Administrative Director of the Mustique Charitable Trust, Dularie Malcolm; National Properties Limited representative, Leroy Llewellyn; Parliamentary Representative for East Kingstown, Fitzgerald Bramble and Minister of Tourism and Culture, Carlos James, gave remarks at the graduation ceremony.

Also delivering remarks was prime minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves who spoke about his input into the development of the steel band movement since taking office as head of the Unity Labour Party administration in 2001.

The 2022 graduating pannists celebrated by presenting four songs that were well received by those in attendance.

Following the presentation of certificates four of the 43 graduates were identified for special recognition.

Mariah Matthews was named the most disciplined trainee; with Excellent Trumpet being the most improved player. The duo of Azaniah Webb, and Germariah Harry were rewarded as being the most outstanding trainees.

The four awardees, along with students of the band, who were successful at this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), and those who sat external examinations, were presented with cash donations by the Sion Hill Sports Club.

Tillal Webb and Mikalla Knights, were the two trainers who taught the rudiments of the instrument to participants over the weeks of the Summer programme.