Parkside Steel Orchestra is the standard-bearer for steel-pan music in Guyana

Dear Editor,

Parkside Steel Orchestra arguably remains the modern Guyanese steel pan music standard-bearer which continues to redefine musical excellence with every performance. From its humble beginnings downstairs in the Department of Culture building which was located at the back of the National Park, Parkside has become the top steel band in the country.

I would like to congratulate the men and women of Parkside Steel for winning the recently held Republic Bank’s 2011 Mashramani Steel Band Competition. Parkside showed its excellence by convincingly winning the competition by an astounding 36 points, beating their opponents by a wide margin. As they enjoy their success, I would like to encourage the performers of Parkside to continue raising the bar for steel pan music in Guyana. I believe I can speak on behalf of all former members of the band who at some point would have contributed to the sweetness of the Parkside sound, when I say we are exceedingly proud of your achievements thus far.

Republic Bank must be congratulated on their continued corporate sponsorship of this genre that so fittingly reflects the rich musical culture of the Guyanese people. It is hoped that other corporate sponsors could be so moved to support and develop this aspect of our national heritage.

Keep the notes sweet and the chords harmoniously rich with the musical genius and complexity that can only be produced by Parkside Steel.

Yours faithfully,
Richard Francois