The Republic Bank Steel Band Arrangers Workshop concluded with a small closing ceremony yesterday where participants received certificates and special prizes.
A total of 34 persons took part in the workshop which was part of Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference outreach for steel pan development and aims to offer participants the power to learn and succeed.
The workshop, which offered participants the opportunity to learn the skill in arranging steel band music, was aimed at the development of the steel band in the country and it is expected that this will be reflected in upcoming competitions.
The workshop, a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Republic Bank Guyana Limited was launched on November 16 and members of schools, churches, the joint services and private bands were exposed to practical training.
The one-week session was facilitated by renowned composer, arranger and steel drum performer Ray Holman of Trinidad and Tobago.
Holman pointed out that this was his first visit to this country but he said he enjoyed every minute. He said the workshop was a hard week but he was certain that some tangible evidence of it will be seen in the future.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Frank Anthony, who also made an address at the opening of the workshop, expressed his confidence that there was a transfer of knowledge at the workshop but warned that this knowledge must also transfer into behaviour if we are to see the development of this art form.
Anthony also praised the sponsor Edwin Gooding for his commitment to the development of steel pan music. Anthony acknowledged that investment in the art need not be monetary only. Rather persons who are willing to learn and likewise persons willing to teach have to be a part of the fusion to make the progress more rapid, he said.
Anthony further said that these elements are now being put together and we will be able to advance in the right direction. He then encouraged the public to support an upcoming steel band Christmas concert that will be hosted at National Cultural Centre. He commended the steel bands in their bid of sustainable management plan and pointed out his ministry’s commitment to the art.
Meanwhile one of the special awardees of the workshop, Akeem Mohamed who is a member of the national steel band and the ACCEL band from Sophia said the workshop was great and he enjoyed it. He said that the most important thing he learnt was how to manage music. He received a prize for the most improved participant.
Also receiving that prize was Claudia Corman. Michael Smith Snr received a special prize for offering support to his fellow participants while Robert Weeks and Brian Jordan received prizes for their keen and consistent work.
Receiving prizes for their high level of interest were Olive Cross and Amanda Noel.
