School in Pan Showcase

The annual ‘School in Pan Showcase’ was held June 5 at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. This showcase was the culmination of a year-long programme conducted at six east Port of Spain RC primary schools by the Catholic Education Board of Management (CEBM) in collaboration with Massy Trinidad All Stars.

The programme targets Standard 2 pupils who learn to play the pan, music theory, and associated historical/cultural facts. A key objective is the building of self-esteem.

The six participating schools are Nelson Street Boys’ RC, Nelson Street Girls’ RC, Bethlehem Boys’ RC, Bethlehem Girls’ RC, Rosehill RC, and Our Lady of Laventille RC. At the showcase, ensembles from each school performed.

In the formal opening, Chairman Derek Hudson, and Vicar for Education and Chief Executive Officer of the CEBM, Fr David Khan, addressed the children, parents, and other invited guests.

In his address, the Chairman reminded the audience that they were not only celebrating music, but also the spirit of collaboration, discipline, and creativity that flourished across the six participating schools. He said that the showcase was the culmination of a year-long journey—one that brought together the CEBM and the legendary Massy Trinidad All Stars.

Their artistry, mentorship, and commitment to nurturing young talent, he said, had been invaluable. He assured All Stars that the CEBM was deeply grateful for the partnership.

Fr Khan, who was attending for the first time as CEO, reminded the audience that one beloved calypsonian, David Rudder, asked a powerful question in song: “Where the man with the Hammer gone?”

The man with the hammer has not gone anywhere, he argued. He was alive and well in the hands of the young musicians present.

Staci-Ann Patrick, Public Relations Officer, Massy Trinidad All Stars, and Dr Mia Gormandy-Benjamin, Curriculum Developer and Head of Massy Trinidad All Stars Academy, also addressed the audience.

The school ensembles rendered the following pieces:

Nelson St Girls’ RC 1, Ode to Joy (Ludwig van Beethoven);

Nelson St Girls’ RC 2, Clocks (Coldplay);

Bethlehem Girls’ RC, Surprise Symphony (Joseph Haydn);

Rosehill RC, Jerusalema (Master G);

Our Lady of Laventille RC, When the saints go marching in;

Bethlehem Boys’ RC, Jesus’ love is bubbling over;

Nelson St Boys’ RC 1, It’s raining (Marvia Providence); and

Nelson St Boys’ RC 2, Jesus loves me (Anna Bartlett Warner). The renditions were well received by all present.

—Story and photo courtesy the CEBM