158 New, Young Steelpan Players Complete The 2024 Republic Bank RightStart Pan Minors Music Literacy

The 13th edition of the Republic Bank RightStart Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme concluded on August 23, 2024 by celebrating the achievements of 158 young steel pan players across the country.

This annual workshop, hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport ran from August 12 – 23, 2024 at seven regional camps nationwide. The camps were hosted at Anna Regina Multilateral (Region 2), West Demerara Secondary (Region 3), National School of Music and Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra Boardroom (Region 4), Berbice High School (Region 6), Bartica Community Centre (Region 7) and Mc Kenzie High School (Region 10).

The programme’s curriculum focused on enhancing beginners' steel pan playing skills, music reading, and chord placement. Graduation ceremonies were held on the last day of the programme, at each camp where participants eagerly showcased their newly acquired skills and each received their certificates of participation.

At the closing ceremony in Georgetown, Ms. Denise Hobbs, General Manager, Operations at Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, addressed the gathering, highlighting the bank's commitment to youth development through the arts. "This programme not only enhances our appreciation for culture and arts but also builds essential life skills such as discipline, focus, and teamwork," Ms. Hobbs remarked. Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport, delivered an inspiring feature address, urging the young musicians to continue honing their skills as a means of contributing to their country’s development.

The Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme was first introduced to Guyana in 2010 as part of the Bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ Social Investment initiative. Republic Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that positively impact and shape the minds of our youth.