St. John,
Grenada, W. I. -
Pan Oasis, the newest steel
orchestra in Grenada, and third
in St. John, was
launched on Sunday 29th
on the grounds of the Florida Government
School.
Robert Cadet of Marigot, St.
John and former arranger of the
Florida/Westside Steel Band is
the driving force behind the
venture. Cadet pledged
many years ago to bring back pan
to the town of
Gouyave.
In his remarks Cadet said he was
glad to see his dream come
through and that he has bigger
plans for the band. He urged
them to promote culture in the
parish and to utilise their
skills to not only playing pan
by ‘ear’ but to be able to read
music. He promised that the
education of the players will
not be sidelined, and that
efforts will be made to assist
members with their school work.
In blessing the new steel
orchestra, Rev. Junior E. Ballantyne of the
Gouyave Anglican Church asked
for God’s blessings on the
direction of the movement and
its members. He urged them to
use their skills for their own upliftment and that of the
parish.
Rev.
Junior
E.
Ballantyne
of the
Gouyave
Anglican
Church
blesses
Pan Oasis
during
their
band
launch
Also witnessing the event were
Mr. Marvin Andall, principal of
the Florida Government School
where the pans are presently
based, Mrs. Oslyn Radix-Thomas,
principal of the St. John’s
Anglican School, Mr. Arthur Hosten, as well as the
management
and players of the Grand Roy
steel orchestra and scores of young
persons who will make up the
membership of the band.
Pan
Oasis
band
launch
Presently the orchestra has a
membership of 43 players most of
whom are female.
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