NCF Music Programme Gets Support to Keep Pan Alive

The sweet sounds of pan will play on, thanks to an injection of funds towards the purchase of new instruments from Barbados Shipping & Trading Co. Ltd., a member of the Neal & Massy Group.

In discussing their recent support for the programme, Neal & Massy (Barbados) Country Manager, Frere Delmas said, “We are committed to the development of the steel pan art form both in Trinidad and in Barbados as evidenced by our longstanding relationship with the Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra and our decade-long involvement as a title sponsor of Pan Pun de Sand during the Crop Over season.”

Mr. Delmas added, “Our current support of the NCF’s steel pan workshops, through the funding of steel pan instruments, is a continuation of our efforts to broaden the appreciation of steel pan music in Barbados. We have already witnessed phenomenal growth in this regard and it is our hope that these workshops will continue to fuel this growth.”

In acknowledgement of the company’s kind contribution Ronald Davis, Cultural Officer for Music remarked, “This monetary contribution is certainly much appreciated. It will allow us to purchase a number of Steel Pans to not only facilitate the continuation of our workshops, but also to provide an opportunity for more people to join our classes.”

Mr. Davis believes that it will augur well for the Foundation’s efforts to develop a cadre of pannists who will ultimately make a valuable contribution to the cultural industry at the community and at the national level.

The NCF Pan programme attracts a mixed group of pan enthusiasts both young and old, at varying levels of difficulty from beginners to the advanced or professional stage. Their workshops, which run for a period of 12 weeks, are held at the Queen’s Park Restaurant and its very affordable cost is structured with a view to accommodating as many participants as possible.