Delightful sounds engulf Mash Pan-o-rama Steel Band competition
February 17, 2013, Georgetown, GINA, Source
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of the President and Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony were among music lovers enjoying the delightful sounds of the Republic Bank Mashramani Pan-o-rama Steel Band competition which was staged this evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of the President and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony at the Republic Bank Mashramani Pan-o-rama Steel Band competition.
This event, which is in its fifth year, is fully sponsored by Republic Bank, and forms part of the bank’s “power to make a difference” initiative. It also forms part of the 43rd Republic anniversary activities which is being held under the theme “reflecting creativity celebrating diversity.
The competition which saw bands competing in categories such a; Senior Solo, Junior Solo, Pan Duet, School band, Church Band and Large Band featured a preliminary competition held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on February 15 as part of the Children’s Mashramani competition.
North Ruimveldt secondary school students along with their teachers as they topped the school band category
Before the competition got underway, Minister Anthony in addressing the crowed expressed Government’s gratitude to Republic Bank for its ongoing support in fostering and promoting the art form.
He said that the competition has seen more persons getting involved in the art form, which forms an important part of Guyana’s cultural heritage. It has also lifted the quality of the music and the skills of those involved, he said.
Javier Marks and Jamal Johnson during their performance in the Duet category
Minister Anthony said that the workshop has been the springboard for a number of initiatives by the ministry itself to support the art form.
The ministry has been working in schools providing steel bands and music teachers for training of students with both the skills and passion for the style of music. This initiative has overtime seen more schools participating in the competition.
Of the following groups that performed, Detroy Dey won the Junior Soloist category followed by Michael Smith and Akeem Mohamed.
For the Duet category, Clayton Daniels and Ryan Sparman came in first, followed by Javier Marks and Jamal Johnson second, and Akeem Mohamed and Don Johnson third.
In the Church Band category, St. Andrew’s Kirk topped that position followed by Central Assembly or God Church.
Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Steel Orchestra during their performance in the Large Band category
North Ruimveldt Seconday dominated the School Band category, while Bishop’s High secured second followed by Queen’s.
In the Senior Soloist category Ray Sparman secured first, Michael Smith second, and Clayton Daniels and Omari tied with third position.
Meanwhile, In the Large Band category Guyana Police Force (GPF) band, Park Side Steel orchestra and Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Steel Orchestra secured first, second and third respectfully.