Republic Bank RightStart Pan Minors Music Literacy

Approximately 130 youths from across Guyana benefitted from a two week workshop where they learnt and developed the necessary skills required for playing the steelpan.

The Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited 2014 Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme, was conducted during the period July 14 – 26, 2014 in Regions 3, 4, 6 and 10 and facilitated by six instructors.

The following groups participated:

1. Beginners Class – National School of Music Camp
2. Beginners Class – North Ruimveldt Multilateral Camp
3. Beginners Class – Buxton Camp
4. Beginners Class – West Demerara Secondary Camp
5. Beginners Class – Wismar Christianburg Secondary Camp
6. Beginners Class – Tagore Secondary Camp
7. Intermediate Class – National School of Music Camp
8. Intermediate Class – Buxton Camp

1. Play simple pieces of music.
2. Read a simple one line melody and have a general understanding of the basic elements of music.
3. Arrange four part music for a steel ensemble.

The programme concluded with a special ceremony on Monday, July 28, 2014 at 15:30h at the Grand Savannah Suite, Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown where the Georgetown and Regions 3 and 4 participants received their certificates and provided entertainment.

The participants in regions 6 and 10 received their certificates at their respective closing sessions.

The ceremony included a Feature Address by the Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister 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 enable 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