Dear Editor,
The NCN Linden Television offered a Valentine’s Day sponsored programme. In one segment we got to see the Wismar Christiansburg Multilateral School girls’ steel band group in action. This group had in its own small way the power of commanding one’s attention. How uplifting and a bit strange to see an all female steel band group. Having seen that short piece of their performance, and observing the rapt attention of the youngsters, boys, and girls, that formed the small audience, one’s only wish would have been for the sustenance and development of not only this group but others as well. But when the trainer/instructor was interviewed he lamented the not so good status the band is in and pleaded for assistance for all and sundry.
That the girls’ performance was not commensurate with the condition of the instruments they played is both commendable and unfortunate, from simple hook up cords, sanding and painting, not to mention the old overused worn out drums.
It is also somewhat ugly that our society has not quite gotten over the old stigma that has been attached to “pan” players, so that inspite of the musical attainment, top of the chart status and success that the pan has achieved it still struggles for indiscriminate acceptance, the stigma lingers on. Mostly the students and youngsters who are encouraged and seem to have the inclination are easily recognized as those from the working class and the category of the unemployed. Still with optimism I do hope that the business community and other conscious people and music enthusiasts will reach out to the request of the instructor to ensure the upkeep and development of this potentially talented female steel band school group.
I do not know, if any, yet I question what role is the education Dept/Ministry is playing in this regard, since music is supposed to be part of its curriculum, or is it no so anymore?
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
