Primary schools Montgomery Government and Plymouth Anglican both received 14 pieces of steel pan instruments totalling $172,000 dollars, while Bright Gems Early Childhood Centre received two tenor pans with pan sticks costing approximately $11,000.
The instruments were distributed by the Multi-Cultural Unit within the Division. “We are going to create literate musicians, professionals, innovators, a whole new cadre of entertainers using the steel pan as the medium,” Coordinator of the Unit, Mr. Rennison Quashie said. “Let’s start with these kids.”
Principal of Montgomery Government Lynette Warner said that the music education that DEYAS was promoting “teaches skills and promotes values that lead to personal development such as self-discipline, dedication, teamwork, self-confidence and practice.”
The Multi-Cultural Unit previously hosted three music and steel pan camps for more than 150 students. The Unit donates the steel pans to Tobago’s schools as part of its policy on exploring the steel band culture.