Guyana's Youth Focus On Keeping Steelpan Music Alive At The Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme 2013

One hundred and fifty young people from across Guyana benefitted from learning and developing the necessary skills required for playing the steelpan when they attended the Republic Bank RightStart Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme 2013, conducted during the period July 08 - 25, 2013. The workshops were held in Regions 4, 5, 6 and 10 and facilited by six instructors.

As usual, the focus of the programme included steel pan history, music theory, techniques of playing and steel band arrangement with participants being a part of the following three levels:

• Level One - first time participants.
• Level Two - participants who have been playing for six months to a year.
• Level Three - participants who have been playing for over two years and was geared towards improving their skills and refining their playing technique.

The programme concluded with a special ceremony on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 15:30h at the Grand Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown where the Georgetown participants received their certificates and provided entertainment. The participants in other parts of the country received their certificates at their respective closing sessions.

The ceremony included a Feature Address by the Mr. Alfred King, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport with programme overview delivered by Mr. Andrew Tyndall, Head of the Ministry's Music Development Unit.

This initiative, a collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was first introduced to Guyana in 2010 as part of the ‘Power to Make a Difference' initiative for several years. A similar programme is hosted annually by Republic Bank Trinidad and dates back to 1996. Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited continues to strive for the sustainment of the steel pan art form in Guyana, which provides youths with another avenue to showcase their talent.

For more information on Republic Bank, visit: www.republicguyana.com