Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. - “I feel like Hulk! Hurrawr hurraaaawwwwrr!!” --- Those were toddlers to grandparents giving their ‘Hulk’ moments as they sang out in concert with CASYM Class Two. Yes - mommy, daddy, nana, ma, grandma, granddad, tantie, aunty, uncle, cous and siblings were all on hand in delighted support.

So When Steel Talks finds itself at another Spring Steelband Concert. This time it is the CASYM (Caribbean American Sports and Cultural Youth Movement) organization showcasing another generation of students on Saturday June 9.

The faces of the ‘little people’ change, and as the years go by those little people become big people, but the joy and exuberance of the performing youth remain the same. Proud parents, pleased teachers, and achieving students remain the essential output of the CASYM experience. And when we get that occasional ‘tap’ on the shoulder and sincere greeting from that young man with much bass in their voice, or young lady with her own baby CASYMite in hand - it is hard to believe that just yesterday this person had been one of these little people now on stage.  

From Bruno Mars to Blaxx, the audience was treated to a full complement of musical styles and genres at this year’s Spring Concert which was held at Middle School 246 on Veronica Place in Brooklyn. The annual event features the performing arts accomplishments of CASYM’s music education programs conducted in schools, mainly through Pan but also Dance.

The show opened with CASYM’s beginners Class One who delivered a funky version of ‘Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do’ with a Caribbean twist. Class Two kicked in with an engaging Bruno Mars mash-up under the leadership of Rico Hunte. Following the first two groups was CASYM’s stage-side led by Lance Maximin, giving us the CASYM ultimate in Pan. And sandwiched between this was the CASYM dance squad, with thunderous applause and an abundance of cell phones recording every moment by proud parents.

When we mention CASYM we are talking about an organization that has demonstrated and maintained sustained success over the decades in a very challenging environment. Not an easy thing to accomplish in the New York City environs. Music education, academic excellence, and cultural awareness and involvement.

The performance program was the perfect blend of essential elements of music and songs that accent current popular and cultural norms. Moreover it’s fun. And that’s why they (the students) never forget why they are doing this.

Congratulations to Travis Roberts, Lakeisha Danglade and the entire CASYM management including Ms. Pearl Jones, educators and family.

The CASYM legacy continues....

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