Brooklyn, New York, USA - It was a special evening for the youth. It was a great evening for the parents. It was an exceptional evening for the Brooklyn community on this early Spring Day. It was a wonderful evening for Pan. And it was a special evening for Despers USA and Epiphany Lutheran Church. That’s pretty much all you needed to know - end of story. Right?
But in actuality and reality this is the beginning of the story. In an event appropriately called “Spring Into Music” held at Epiphany Lutheran Jesus Joy Center on the Epiphany Lutheran Church campus in Brooklyn, New York - it was, and no pun intended a complete “joy” for the packed house of performers, parents, teachers, community residents and supporters. The joyous sounds of the steelpan instrument and cheering people radiated from the building as the youth displayed their multi-facets of talents.
Despers USA stage side members perform at “Spring Into Music”
The iconic Brooklyn-based Despers USA Steel Orchestra and Epiphany Lutheran Church recently came together to start a Despers Youth Program that teaches music theory and performance with the steelpan as the instrument of choice, to the young people for the purpose of developing an appreciation for music and the steelpan family of instruments. The debut performance for the young people of the Despers Youth Program was indeed a resounding success. The youth performers demonstrated their grasp and understand of the rudiments of music with execution of basic scales and timings.
And just in case one thought the youngsters were only musically gifted, they put on a modeling routine that was befitting of their own red carpet, with a display of sass and class for the extremely delighted audience. And the graceful moves of vivacious Despers USA stage side member Alyssa Cain were captivating as she danced, before herself rejoining the orchestra.
The Despers Junior Band performs at “Spring Into Music”
The Despers Junior Band as they are officially known, went on to perform “Heart & Soul” by Hoagy Carmichael, “Amazing Grace” and Machel Montano’s big hit “Happiest Man Alive.” The audience was both appreciative and genuinely stunned by their performance and how much was accomplished by the group in such a short space of time. It is difficult to decide who was smiling more - the performing youth, their Despers USA instructors, the proud parents and/or the event attendees.
Sandwiched between the performances by Despers Juniors, were command performances by the Despers USA stage side who thrilled and completely entertained the audience with an impressive and wide variety of musical treats from a “Castilian” to “Royals” by Lorde. These young Despers USA musicians continued the Despers USA tradition and legacy of great musical performances, in addition to not shirking their responsibility of passing on the skill set and commitment to community - as it was passed on to them, to the next generation.
Under the music directive of Despers USA’s arranger Odie Franklin and leadership of captains Wilfred Kieal, Jr. and Daryl Gamory, the many pint-sized players—with one even on props to reach her instrument—simply wowed the standing-room-only crowd. And indeed by the time performers concluded their set with Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” the house was on its feet yet again!
Pastor Gahagen & Mrs. Gahagen
On hand to witness the performance was Pastor Gahagen, who is the director of the Epiphany Lutheran Church establishment. The institution consists of both church and private school that covers grades pre-K to 8.
Pastor Gahagen, who has a history of being proactive and progressive in support of the development of young people, education of youth, culture and empowerment of community - was particularly pleased with what he witnessed. Without Pastor Gahagen’s support this could not have happened. His belief in the young Despers USA crew was well-placed, as the success of the music classes and event showed what young people can do for self and community when supported and given an opportunity. “...This is beautiful, isn’t it? First of all what a fine group of young people! Not only do they play well, but what I loved is to see how happy they are when they play. It’s contagious, isn’t it? They enjoy what they doing. They enjoy being with each other. To me it’s fantastic....” Pastor Gahagen expounded.
This day had additional meaning as the pastor let it be known when he addressed the audience, that this was his 34th wedding anniversary and it was a good way to celebrate this significant day. His wife Mrs. Gahagen was also present.
Despers USA and Despers Junior Band after the “Spring Into Music” concert
To say the ‘Spring Into Music’ event was a success is an understatement - but failure is never an option for Despers USA. As the pastor praised the Despers USA young people, one envisions many more days of thunderous applause, a continued sea of good will and many more smiling faces making a joyous sound.
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