Diatonic hones new pan talent at pan camp
Siparia-based Diatonic Pan Institute, a registered non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and Community Based Organisation (CBO), hosted its Annual Vacation Pan Camp from July 9 to August 10, 2018.
A total of 24 students participated in this year’s programme which involved playing the instrument, understanding rhythms and basic music theory. Sporting activities were also included. Cricket, football and draughts formed part of the package offered to children at the camp.
The programme was managed and executed by young Diatonic members all qualified in music. Alyssa Saney, 14, served as administrator for the programme. Jemeel Byer,16), Leiah Mollineau, 16, Kyle Charles, 18 and Nicholai Hospedales,14, were the music instructors.
The graduation was held on Saturday 11th August 2018 and attended by Pan Trinbago South Central Vice Chairman – Richard Baker, Atlantic LNG Denise Maloney, and Councillors Bowen and Neptune from the Siparia Regional Corporation. The graduates showcased their acquired skills by performing demonstrating musical scales and performing songs to the audiences’ delight.
President of Diatonic Keith Byer spoke to a packed audience comprising the graduates, parents and members of their extended family, well-wishers and specially invited guests about the importance of sports and culture, with special emphasis on the steelband, on the lives of our nations youths. He also emphasised that the camp was a train the trainer module, since the youthful members of Diatonic, who managed the project were actually being taught life skills.
Energy company Atlantic and the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Culture Ministry partnered with the Diatonic Pan Institute to ensure the camps’ success.
The pan camp was provided at no cost to the community of Siparia.
Photo: Emerging steelpan entertainers showcase their skills.