RBL Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme 2018

The annual Republic Bank Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme 2018 saw eighty-six Region 4 youths from existing schools’ steel band programmes, developing their skills in the steel pan art form – both theory and practical.

The programme commenced on July 16, 2018 and concluded on August 3, 2018; and comprised six camps where the focus was strengthening the skills of players and learning elements of the craft of performance. Having completed the programme, participants are now able to:

• Read simple pieces from a single staff
• Play intermediate level pieces
• Play scales with key signature of up to 4 sharps or flats
• Place chords to simple melodies

A special Graduation Ceremony was held on Friday, August 3, 2018 at 15:30h at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown where all participants received their certificates and provided entertainment.

The Feature Address was delivered by the Honourable Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, while the programme overview was delivered by Mr. Andrew Tyndall, Administrator of the National School of Music and Coordinator of the Programme.

This Programme, a collaboration between Republic Bank and the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport was first introduced to Guyana in 2010 as part of the Bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ Social Investment initiative.

Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited continues to play a major role in the promotion and development of the steel pan art form in Guyana.