Sion Hill Euphonium trains another cohort of young pan players

HAVING STARTED to host its annual Summer Training Programme in 1995, the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra (SHESCO), hosted its 29th graduation Ceremony for the 2024 cohort last Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Sion Hill Village Hard Court.

For six weeks, starting July 22, under the guidance and tutelage of Mikalla Knights, Septimus Cain and Christopher Walrond, 27 youngsters were given their introduction to the steel pan, and at Sunday’s ceremony, got their maiden experience to put their skills on show to those present at the graduation ceremony.

This they did, acquitting themselves well as they played songs from different musical genres.

Showing dexterity, coupled with unbridled enthusiasm, the graduates performed Adele’s ‘Someone like You’, well as ‘Flowers’ by Miley Cyrus, ‘My Hands’ by Burna Boy, and Krosfyah’s ‘All Aboard’.

Their skill sets drew applause of appreciation from those who braved the inclement weather to be part of the ceremony.

Long standing Chairman of SHESO,Warren Knights, commended the graduates for staying the course of the programme, and extolled the values of being part of the six weeks of training.

“We hope that this programme has not only enriched your cultural and educational experiences but also equipped you with the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in playing the steel pan,” he said.

Knights also called on the graduates to make good of the extra activities in which they were engaged whilst learning the rudiments of the steel pan.

“The educational tours that you’ve undertaken have further stimulated your intellect, broadened your horizons, fostered unity and added excitement to your learning journey “, Knights told the graduates.

Since the Summer Training Programme has graduated more than 1,400 young persons since its inception 29 years ago.

Apart from Knights, Parliamentary Representative for East Kingstown, Fitz Gerald Bramble, and Leroy Llewelyn, who represented one of SHESO’s partners- National Properties Limited, addressed the graduation ceremony.