SILVER HARPS STEEL ORCHESTRA BENEFITS FROM EPIC GRANT

THURSDAY MARCH 29 2018: The Point Fortin Silver Harps Steel Orchestra was the proud recipient of an EPIC grant of TT$33,750 from the Digicel Foundation.  The funds were used to refurbish the pan yard by changing the galvanize for the roof, upgrading of bathrooms and electrical work, installing fans and resurfacing the floor.

This space which is located on Salazar Trace, is the centre of community activity and home to 50 pannists many of whom are youth between the ages of 7-25 years.

In receiving the funds, a proud Ronnie Williams, Assistant Manager of the Orchestra, was high in praise for the Foundation for the donation.  “The panyard is not just a place to play pan” he stated, “it is a place where we focus all our efforts on youth development in the community.  Teaching them how to play, read and arrange music, discipline, team work, camaraderie and critical thinking skills and anything we can to enforce positive change.”

The group’s motto “Difficult does not mean Impossible” has helped the orchestra to sustain its activities over the years.  Part of this year’s vision is to get enough financial support to enter the Panorama competition’s “Medium Band” and “Junior Panorama” categories for Carnival 2019. 

Curtis Yearwood, Trustee also added “The panyard is active throughout the year and not just for Carnival.  In fact” he said, “the group will be headliners at the Launch of Point Fortin Borough Day on April 28 and will be featured in Republic Bank’s “Pan on the Parkway” for the popular city event.

Silver Harps Steel Orchestra is committed to enhancing and preserving the culture of Trinidad and Tobago by promoting the national instrument.