Raising the Standards
One of the main areas of focus for the rebranded Cultural Development Foundation is the training and development of artistes, trainers, group leaders and all cultural and artistic players.
Sweet Steelpan Music fills the Air!
With this new thrust at the fore the Training, Promotion and Development Department of the CDF successfully completed a two-day Level II Workshop for Junior Steel Pan Arrangers this weekend. The workshop which was held on Saturday 18th and 25th January 2014 exposed twenty-one junior arrangers from groups around the island to the process of arranging music for steelpan.
The group which included three young ladies among the majority male participants, got a mixture of musical theory and practical application as they were given the opportunity to listen to a variety of songs, identify arrangement patterns and develop their different arrangements for the steelpan.
Facilitator of the workshop Aimran Simmons took participants on a journey of how to identify musical chords, how to develop introductions for songs and how to select patterns for the different parts of the steelpan orchestra. He also focused on explaining and developing an understanding of the various parts of the judging criteria used for the Junior Panorama competition. Junior arrangers were then allowed to arrange music and demonstrate their arrangements to colleagues by actually playing them on the steel pan while they listened and critiqued.
Getting it Right
Enthusiasm and engagement was high among participants. They remained focused throughout the sessions and eagerly volunteered to demonstrate their skills when required to do so. Participants also asked questions seeking clarification of ideas as the sessions progressed. In providing feedback to the CDF, they indicated that they enjoyed the training exercise, thought that it was worthwhile and timely and would encourage other arrangers and pan players to take advantage of other similar offerings.
Participants endorsed the initiative and reiterated CDF’s position unanimously agreeing that such exercises should increase in number and frequency, as well as include more opportunities for practical involvement. In expressing their appreciation for the initiative, participants thanked the facilitator for sharing his expertise and experience. They also called for more avenues for demonstrating their skills through a variety of community and national competitions.
Just the Beginning
The Cultural Development Foundation is planning follow-up training exercises in steelpan arranging, as well as pan tuning and pan playing. We take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the exercise, especially our facilitator Aimran for his patience and resourcefulness.
Look out for more exciting training and development opportunities!!!!
